


iihmg of f ottjws. 






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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




1 



V///////,/^. 






CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 



REV. S. P. GAMMAGE. 

WITH 

AN INTRODUCTION, 

BY REV. CHARLES J. KNOWLES. 



'YjJieT$ IffTE TO 0005 TOV KOffjlOV. 

" Christian is the highest style of man." 



: 



NEW-YORK, 



PRINTED BY WM. C. MARTIN, 113 FULTON ST. 

1841. 



■>*• > 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1841, 

By SMITH P. GAMMAGE, 

In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York. 



4~P C i 



1 



THE CONGREGATIONS 

TO WHOM IT HAS BEEN THE AUTHOR'S PRIVILEGE 
TO MINISTER, 

THIS VOLUME 

is 
MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED, 

AS A TOKEN OF HIS 
HIGH ESTEEM AND DEVOTED ATTACHMENT. 

S. P. GAMMAGE. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 



Inteoduction, 
Preface, 



CHAP. I.— The Nature of Christian Deportment. 
This deportment is — 

1. Eased on the principles of the gospel, 23 

2 Harmonizes with the spirit of the gospel, 29 

3. Governed by the precepts of the gospel, 32 

4. Demonstrates the efficiency of the gospel, 37 

5. Recommends the high claims of the gospel, 40 

CHAP. II. — How Christian Deportment must be maintained. 

1. By cultivating a holy correspondence between God and the soul, 45 

2. By realizing our relation to the glorified spirits in heaven, 49 
3 By having our spirit and deportment as much as possible assim- 
ilated to theirs who are in heaven, - - - - 51 

4. By a growing affection to heavenly objects, 52 

CHAP. III. — The inestimable privileges inseparably connected 
with Christian Deportment. 

1. The beauty of Christian deportment, ----- 59 

2. The consistency of Christian deportment, 64 
3 The security of Christian deportment, 66 

4. The dignity of Christian deportment, - - i - - 68 

5. The holy fellowship with which Christian deportment is con- 

nected, *,...."- 70 

This fellowship consists — 

1. In spiritual union, -..«,- ----71 

2. In affectionate intercourse, ------ 72 

1* 



G CONTENTS. 

3. In a mutual interest in the benefits of Christian ordinances, 

and in all the rich blessings of the gospel, 73 

4. The rich benefits which a Christian deportment confers upon 

others, 76 

CHAP IV. — Some reasons calculated to urge us to maintain a 
Christian deportment. 

1. The conduct and example of inconsistent and false professors 

of religion, .--..----93 

2. The object at which the enemies of our souls are constantly- 

aiming, .--..-----97 

3. The deep interest felt by all the truly pious in this most impor- 

tant subject, --- - 103 

4. The wonderful exhibitions of Calvary, - _ - - 106 

5. That a truly Christian deportment can furnish the only possible 

evidence of vital piety, - - - - - - -110 

CHAP. V. — The practical effect which the contemplation of 
Christian Deportment ought to have upon the life and cha- 
racter of the Christian. 
It should lead the Christian — 

1. To be holy, 115 

2. To be submissive, - - - - - - - -117 

3. To be constantly impressed with a sense of the Divine pre- 
sence, &c. -..__---- 119 

4. To be grateful and humble, 120 

5. To be faithful, &c. 122 



INTRODUCTION. 



To honor God is the law of a renewed heart. Where the 
divine glory has not been promoted, nothing valuable has 
been attained. So says every living disciple of Christ — so 
respond all the holy intelligences around the throne of God. 

And how shall God's people honor him ? In what can 
they declare the glory of Him whom they sincerely and su- 
premely love ? The answer is given in these words of our 
Lord — "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much 
fruit ; so shall ye he my disciples." Where the "fruits " of a 
renewed heart are wanting, there is no evidence of genu- 
ine discipleship. There may be profession, and parade of 
ceremonies, and ostentatious display of charities, and " for 
pretence — long prayers ;" but it is all smoke and offence be- 
fore God. " Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offer- 
ings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord ? 
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hear than the 
fat of rams." Religious charities, and other external ser- 
vices of religion are not without their use, and there is no 
true piety without them. But they are not religion; nei- 
ther are they the fruits of religion, except where they re- 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

suit from supreme regard for the glory of God. It is the 
form of godliness, without its spirit and power. 

We are not in this age and country so much in want of 
religious profession, as of religious principle, and energy. We 
have a vast amount of machinery ; but much of it is deranged 
for want of proper care ; and much stands still for want of 
propelling force. 

We have the flakes and chrystals of what appears to be 
salt ; but it is valueless, having no savor. 

Were we solicited to instance some of the prominent de- 
fects, or sources of defect in the Christian character of the 
age, the following four would be suggested. 

Neglect of the Bible. 

Neglect of prayer. 

Neglect of self-examination. 

Neglect of Christian communion. 

The Bible is read, and by the aid of Bible classes, Sab- 
bath schools, etc., is probably examined with more system 
than in any former age. But after all is it honored and be- 
lieved ? Is it studied with rigid and prayerful investigation, 
and honored as the high and ultimate source of authorita- 
tive appeal ? Does not much of our theology savor more 
of the dogmas of schools and the technics of philosophical 
systems, than of the simple "mind of the Spirit." 

In our Bible classes and Sabbath schools, are not more 
pains taken to teach theology, or oriental customs, or noth- 
ing at all, than to enforce the fundamental and practical 
truths on the heart and conscience ? In the (so called) re- 
ligious reading which is prepared for children, and for adults 
even, is there not more effort to cater for the morbid taste 7 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

than to provide for the real ivants of the age ? In our reli- 
gious fictions (pardon the solecism) how seldom do we 
meet with quotations from the sacred scriptures, unless it is 
to provide a motto, or embellish a sentence. Is it not a 
melancholy truth that the Bible is studied far less by the pri- 
vileged Christians of the present day, than by those of the 
last century ? This is not the age for Baxters, Doddridges, 
Fullers, Flavels, Buuyans, Howes, Edwards, Mathers, 
Mores and Grahams. And why not ? We suggest as one 
reason, that it is not the fashion with the Christians of this 
age to " search the scriptures.'' 1 

Neglect of prayer was also instanced. Not that there are 
few prayer meetings, family altars, and sanctuaries. Not 
that there is not a great amount of believing, fervent and 
effectual prayer on the earth. But the amount of such pray- 
er is comparatively small. It is to be feared that there are 
many professed disciples of Christ whose voices are heard 
oftener in the prayer room than in the closet And that 
with most of us there is great lack of faith. 

Many of the great and glorious things for which the saints 
of the last century looked and longed and prayed, and "died 
without the sight," have become vision and reality to us. 

They went forth weeping, and bearing the precious seed, 
and we are honored in bearing home the sheaves. They 
sowed and we have entered into their labors. They were 
environed by enemies, and straitened by many untoward 
providences. We are straitened in our own bowels alone. 
We have in operation a system of moral enginery which 
with the divine blessing is destined to renovate the world. 
But our great mistake and criminal delusion is that we are 



INTRODUCTION. 

looking for the great result from the mere operation of our 
machinery. Our pioneer cry is " men and money" for the 
world's conversion. Our ministers are turning merchants, 
and our merchants are becoming speculators, and (if what 
we hear is true) it is all " to make money for the Lord, " 
We are fitting out missionaries, and publishing Bibles, 
tracts, etc. with a commendable zeal, (though to a far less 
extent than we ought to have done) and we appear to think 
that when we have done this, nothing remains but to wait 
for the conversion of the world. True we have monthly 
concerts, and we pray in all circles for the conversion of 
the heathen: but after all do ice pray ? Were the Son of 
Man now to come, would he find faith on the earth ? To 
reply to this question, we advert to a single fact. The dis- 
play of divine grace and glory which is exhibited at the 
Sandwich Islands. We hear of the outpouring of the Spirit 
on a nation who were idolaters. It is however twenty years 
since they cast away their idols, and for twenty years mis- 
sionaries have labored, and Christians have prayed for their 
conversion : and we have at this time seventy missionaries 
and assistant missionaries laboring and praying with faith 
and love in those Islands. 

Recently, the word has come to us that within the space 
of two years, from ten to fifteen thousand Sandwich Island- 
ers have been hopefully turned to God, and have united 
with the Christian church. And what has been the effect 
of this electrifying news upon us ? Do we with united 
voice exclaim, 'Then hath God heard our prayers and bles- 
sed our labors? ' Are we exclaiming with praise, but not 
surprise " what hath God wrought ? " Or are we amazed. 



IiNTRODUCTlON. XI 

and bewildered and stupified, and almost in doubt whether 
to rejoice or mourn? And why doubt? "Ah, there are 
so many converts. We fear those brethren have been pre- 
cipitate. The matter must be investigated." And this is 
the language of those who are praying for the world's con- 
version, and who are looking for the time when. a nation 
is to be born in a day. And where, and to whom have they 
looked? Let their unbelief echo — where? The same want 
of faith is manifest in our endeavors for personal and pro- 
gressive holiness. We have an example in Christ, and have 
for our encouragement the lives and attainments of those 
worthies who — 

"- — following their incarnate God, 
Possessed the promised rest." 

Who " while they trod the earth, lived above it," and had 
unbroken communion with God and with his Son Jesus 
Christ ; and yet we live as though we had little desire to re- 
semble our exemplar, and no expectation of equalling the 
attainments of primitive saints. 

We have heard of " perfectionism," and fanaticism, and 
other isms which are full as frightening as frightful, and this 
we make our justification for the sheerest unbelief, and most 
criminal stupidity respecting our own growth in grace. 
Instead of ''pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high 
calling of God in Christ Jesus," pressing downward, and 
sidewise, and backward, and almost every direction but the 
one which will lead to holiness and to God. 

It is melancholy that in this day of exalted privilege, there 
should be so little simplicity of faith and " looking unto Je- 
sus, the author and finisher of our faith." We are so feat-fni 



XU INTRODUCTION. 

of believing too much, that we believe almost nothing. 
The painful aud humiliating result is, that we crawl at a 
snail's pace where we ought to be mounting on wings as 
eagles. Our prayers are " an empty sound." God is not 
honored by a living faith that takes hold on the horns of the 
altar, and pleads his own truth and grace; and how can he 
fill our souls with fatness 1 

Neglect of self-examination necessarily follows neglect of 
the Bible and neglect of prayer. The diligent and prayer- 
ful reader of the Bible is always led to self-examination. 
He cannot hold communion with God, without feeling the 
need of communing with himself. He finds that he is the 
" temple of the Holy Ghost," and feels that it behoves him 
to search out " the things which offend," that he may pre- 
sent his body "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 
God." He lives in the light, and discovers his moral de- 
formities; and although his sins appear to be hydra-headed, 
he ceases not to cut them off. 

But the neglecter of the Bible and the wanderer from the 
mercy-seat is groping in darkness. And what is most mel- 
ancholy, he dives constantly into lower deeps of moral mid- 
night that he may the more effectually hide himself from 
himself. The light reproves, and he does not want it. 
With his own con "ience he is ill at ease ; but he knows 
that if he attempts to compare accounts, his trouble will in- 
crease. Like the desperate gambler who is squandering his 
patrimony, the nearer he approaches to ruin, the deeper is 
the game wnich he plays. Serious, honest, searching and 
prayerful self-examination is one of the last resorts of the 
Christian prodigal. It is matter of devout gratitude and 



INTRODUCTION- Xlll 

praise, that grace can bring hirn "to himself/' and induce 
him to return in rags and hunger to his Father's house. 
But there would be fewer of these religious starvelings and 
wanderers, if Christians were faithful in the humbling, but 
indispensable work of frequent self-examination. 

Christian character would stand out in purer and bolder 
and stronger relief, were Christians more careful to be 
thoroughly acquainted with themselves. " He that keepeth 
his way preserveth his souL" May we not with truth and 
reverence add, he will be greatly instrumental in preserving 
others* 

With more brevity than we could have desired, we ad- 
vert to the remaining topic. 

Neglect of Christian communion. 

It is recorded of certain saints of old, who " feared the 
Lord, and thought upon his name," that they u spake often 
one to another." This was old-fashioned religion. That our 
11 new inventions " have found a better way remains to be 
proved. Religion is designed for beings who are rational, 
social, and moral. The more vigorous our rational and so- 
cial susceptibilities, and the more enlarged and discrimina- 
ting our moral perceptions, the better are we qualified, 
through the gracious influence of the spirit, to enjoy, and 
exemplify, and promote pure religion. Man was constituted 
a religious being. He is so circumstanced, that of necessity 
he exerts an influence upon others, and is in turn subject to 
influence from others. Neutrality in religion is impossible. 
Not to be active in its support, is to oppose it. A religion of 
voluntary seclusion from society is selfish and defective. 

It is enjoined in holy writ that "as we have opportunity 
2 



XIV UfTRdDUCTlOff, 

we should do good to all men, especially those who are of 
the household of faith." This command we shall fail' to 
obey unless we are much in the society of believers. We 
are creatures of sympathy. We are affected by the sight of 
the eye, the sound of the voice, and the expression of the 
countenance. From the very nature and necessities of our 
being, we think, and feel, and act with reference to others, 
as well as to ourselves. A just attention to our own inter- 
ests and welfare, is in effect, regard for the welfare of oth- 
ers. Proper regard for others secures our own best and 
enduring prosperity and peace. Eminently true are these 
things as respects the interests of religion. A religion of 
the heart impels to action, and is social and diffusive. Thi3 
is the genius and spirit of Christianity. "Freely ye have 
received, freely give," is the Christian rule in all things. 
The first impulse of the new born soul is to praise God, 
and call on all men to praise his holy name. You have no* 
need to urge the young Christian to mingle much in the so- 
ciety of the saints. He cannot be kept away from them. 
He loves them as he loves his own soul, and takes " ever 
fresh delight in speaking to them of the name that's dearest 
of all." How much all Christians are revived and strength- 
ened, and perfected in love and Christian graces, by com- 
munion, needs no remark. It is neglect of this which is a 
fruitful source of coldness, and alienation and strife among' 
brethren. 

Attention to it would have saved more than one church 
from rupture and ruin. It is vain and idle to expect that 
Christians will " be the light of the world," and secure the 
respect, and commend themselves to the consciences of 



INTRODUCTION. XV 

men, until brotherly and Christian fellowship are something 
more than mere names. It is preposterous to expect that 
the church can flourish, or that Christians can mature in 
piety unless free and unaffected communion of brethren is 
cherished- It is when Christian pilgrims and sojourners as- 
sociate in the way and speak of the things which happened 
at Jerusalem, that their hearts "burn within them," and be- 
fore they are aware of it they are communing with Jesus. 

We all have our weaknesses, and faults, and trials. We 
need mutual sympathy and counsel and interest at the throne 
of grace. We cannot intelligently pray for our brethren, 
nor advise nor instruct them ; neither can they show these 
kind and Christian offices to us, unless we freely and ingenu- 
ously unbosom ourselves to each other, and meekly admon- 
ish and receive reproof, and encourage each other to fidelity 
in this whole matter. Are we thus faithful ? Are we ac- 
quainted with the spiritual estate of our brethren, and have 
we opened our hearts to them? These are inquiries of 
important practical concern. Let us attend to them in view 
of our responsibilities to Him who prayed that we might be 
one, even as he and his Father are one. 

If the above suggestions are correct, a treatise on " Chris- 
tian deportment" will be timely ; and we can earnestly unite 
with the author of this volume, in the prayer that what he 
has written may be a source of blessing to Gud's people. 
We can confidently commend it to the notice of Christians, 
in the hope that it will be a means of stimulating them to 
increased prayer and effort, for the support of Christian 
character, in themselves and others. 

C. J. K. 



PREFACE. 



In the whole system of Christian ethics we cannot 
find a principle of greater practical utility, or more 
eminently distinguished by the sublime and beautiful, 
than the one inculcated in the following passage of 
holy writ : " Only let your conversation be as it be- 
cometh the gospel of Christ.'' Christians are the most 
conspicuous characters in the world, and nothing can 
exceed the vast importance of properly maintaining 
the purity and dignity of the Christian name and cha- 
racter. The great exemplar of Christians says they 
are "the salt of the earth." What salt is to animal 
and vegetable matter, in preserving it from putrefac- 
tion, the hallowed influence of the Christian is, to the 
moral and spiritual interests of this world, in saving it 
from corruption and ruin. 

He also denominates them the "light of the world." 
It is true, however, that they are so only in a subordi- 
nate sense ; for on another occasion Christ denominates 
himself the " Light of the world." How are we then to 
2* 



18 PREFACE. 

reconcile this apparent contradiction 1 This difficulty 
may be obviated by referring for a moment to the solar 
system. Every one acquainted with the elementary 
principles of astronomy knows, that the sun is the 
great original source of light : that the planets and 
satellites shine with a borrowed light : that in them- 
selves they are opaque bodies, and that they receive 
their light from the sun, and then reflect it on our 
earth. Thus these primary and secondary planets are 
of the greatest utility, though they shine only with a 
borrowed light. Who can question their utility] Look, 
for instance, at the moon, which has been so justly 
styled the " queen of night." How much benefit does 
it confer upon the inhabitants of this globe, though it 
does not possess a particle of light, except what it 
receives from the sun. Analogous to this, the Lord 
Jesus Christ is the great original source of light to the 
moral world. He shines with his own light. Chris- 
tians receive all their li^ht from him. Inspiration says 
of Christians, "Ye were sometime darkness, but now 
are ye light in the Lord." Thus, when they let their 
light shine, it is only a reflected light. They are the 
medium, Christ the source. Christians are appointed 
as so many reflectors, to receive light from the great 
original source, "the Sun of Righteousness," and thus 
forming, as it were, one vast chanddier, lit up by the 
Eternal, and let down from heaven to earth, to throw 



PREFACE. 19 

around its cheering rays upon the darkness of the 
moral night. Every Christian should be a polished 
mirror — shining as clearly, as uniformly, and as exten- 
sively as the emergencies of the moral world demand. 
It must be remembered that Christians can never 
reflect more light than they receive. In other words, 
their usefulness will be in proportion to their piety. 
In accordance with the laws of natural philosophy, no 
opaque body can reflect more light than it receives. 
From analogy, therefore, the Christian who receives 
all his spiritual light from Christ, can reflect no more 
than he receives. If he receive but little, he can 
reflect but little. Consequently, the reason why 
Christians do so little good is because their piety is no 
more elevated and energetic. In view of reflections 
like these, " what manner of persons ought Christians 
to be, in all holy conversation and godliness T" It ought 
most certainly to be their constant aim to " walk worthy 
of their high vocation," and to "shine as lights in the 
world." There is no appropriate station in life which 
does not require a consistent and corresponding deport- 
ment. We may reasonably expect greater dignity of 
deportment in a prince than in a plebian. We natural- 
ly look for greater propriety of conduct, and refinement 
of manners in those who have enjoyed the advantage 
of a liberal education, and high intellectual and moral 
culture than in those who have not been equally favored. 



20 PREFACE. 

This principle is constantly recognized in the word of 
God. " Excellent speech becometh not a fool ; much 
less do lying lips a prince." Prov. xvih 7. 

Upon this principle, also, the apostle reasons with the 
Philippians. " You are citizens of no mean city," he 
seems to say, " for you belong to the new Jerusalem, the 
city of the living God," Let therefore your deportment 
be such as become those who have attained so high and 
noble distinction. Ye are princes, the sons and daugh- 
ters of the most high God, and heirs of a glorious im- 
mortality ! Christian, never forget your high and hon- 
orable vocation, and see that your whole deportment be 
consistent with it. Let worldlings grovel in the dust, 
forgetful of their high destiny. Yes, let the potsherds 
of the earth strive together, and waste their energies in 
the vile drudgery of sin and Satan* And let the blind 
votaries of base and sensual pleasures grasp at shadows, 
and vainly amuse themselves with chasing phantoms. 
This does not become the child of God. He has a dig- 
nified character to maintain ! He has a glorious prize 
to secure ! He is called with a holy calling ! Be this 
then the Christian's highest concern, that his life and 
example may ever comport with his high character and 
destiny ; never contadict his hopes, nor give the lie to 
his professions. Then shall he become " a burning and 
a shining light," reflecting far and wide the Redeemer's 
glory, and blessing and enriching all who come within 



PREFACE. 21 

the circle of his influence. Sincerely desirous to con- 
tribute in some humble degree at least towards such an 
important result, the author has been induced to write 
this volume on Christian deportment ; and should suc- 
cess be commensurate with the desire, 'tis all he asks ; 
and he would most cheerfully unite with those who may 
be benefited, in ascribing all the praise to Him to whom 
it is due. 

He has not written for the perusal of the fastidious 
and cynical critic, but for the perusal of the candid and 
docile reader. Aware that there exists a great variety 
of taste in every reading community ; for instance, some 
love an anecdote for illustration, others love the relief 
which poetry affords, and others again are fond of a 
quotation from classical and other authors, &c, this 
fact was kept in view while preparing this volume, 
with the fond hope that it might prove a source both of 
pleasure and profit to every reader. How far the author 
has succeeded in this object, of course others must de- 
cide ; and whatever may be the result he would com- 
mend what he has written to the divine blessing, and 
to the candid and prayerful perusal of the Christian 
public. 

The Christian born of God ! Oh, wondrous thought ! 
Of heavenly birth ! His origin divine ! 
Son of the Highest ! Heir of endless life ! 
Descended from such a glorious Sire, 
He bears in characters most legible, 



22 PREFACE. 

The impress of the Deity. Allied 

To God, te angels, and to the spirits 

Of the just ; this vain world is not his home ; 

His treasure, nor his rest is found below. 

His home is in the skies, for this he pants ; 

'Tis his true element. Thus longs to breathe 

His native air ; dwell in his Father's house ; 

And soar away to immortality. 

There all is peace and joy ! There all is pure ! 

Here sin and death prevail, and every woe ; 

And sorrow's dark and cheerless night, with scarce 

One ray of hope to dry the mourner's tears. 

Shadow and illusion, here dwell below 

In this dark world that sin and death have cursed ; 

But in heaven alone all is substance ! 

All sincere ! Ah, why should the Christian then 

Delight to linger here 1 So far from home — 

So far from real bliss — joys that fade not — 

A crown immortal — life for evermore. 

If such the nature of the Christians hopes, 

And such his high and happy destiny ; 

His life, how upright and sincere should be ; 

His hands how clean and pure, and pure his heart, 

And on his character be found no stain. 

The word of God his guide and counsellor, 

Christ his pattern, and God his all in all. 

S. P. G. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT, 



CHAPTER I. 

The Nature of Christian Deportment. 
11 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." 

Christian deportment, so frequently and for- 
cibly inculcated in the gospel of Christ, and so 
essential to the Christian's spiritual prosperity, 
and eminent usefulness is most evidently 

1. Based on the principles of the gospel. 

It is a well-established axiom in Christian 
ethics, and fully demonstrated in natural as 
well as moral philosophy, that right principle 
will lead to right action ; and that in propor- 
tion as w r e err in sentiment, w T e shall err in 
practice. It is, then, of the utmost importance 
to be truly enlightened by those heaven-born 
principles which the gospel ever exhibits and 



24 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

inculcates, and which constitute the truth, as it 
is in Jesus. The glaring inconsistencies of 
many professors of religion may be traced to 
this source ; they have no fixed principles ; con- 
sequently, their religious sentiments are unde- 
cided, and their piety feeble and doubtful, 
Thefons mali may, doubtless, be found here. 
Instead of holding fast the " form of sound 
words," revealed in the oracles of truth, many 
are carried to and fro with every wind of doc- 
trine. They are indeed so far from being es- 
tablished, either in theory or in practice, that 
they are tossed hither and thither, ad infinitum, 
as if they had discovered, and wished fully to 
test, the occult principle of perpetual motion. 
Can we wonder, then, that those who have, no* 
decided principles, should have no decided 
character in religion? Truly, it is no marvel 
that such characters should now appear zeal- 
ous and active, then lukewarm and indolent* 
Sometimes appear separate from the world? 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 25 

now carried down the deep, broad current of 
worldly cares and pleasures. 

A consistent character and deportment do 
not proceed from mere profession, but from 
right principle. And they who w r ould main- 
tain a deportment consonant with the pure 
dictates of the gospel, must see that their prin- 
ciples are right, and that they have received 
the truth, in the power and love of it. Not 
like the poor collier, who when asked by a 
pious individual what it was that he believed ? 
He answered, " I believe what the church be- 
lieves." The other rejoined, " What then does 
the church believe ?" He replied readily, " The 
church believes what I believe." The other, 
desirous, if possible, to bring him to particu- 
lars, once more resumed his inquiry. " Tell 
me, then, I pray you, what it is that you and 
the church both believe ?" The only answer 
the poor man could give, was, " Why, truly, 
sir, the church and I both believe the same 

3 



26 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

thing." This was implicit faith with a witness. 
And alas ! how many there are, who could not 
give a more intelligent and satisfactory an- 
swer, respecting the " hope that is in them !" 
The Christian must be able to assign a reason 
of his hope, that it is a "good hope " and rests 
upon as firm a basis as the "Rock of ages." 
He must know also what he believes, and that 
what he believes is the truth. And he must 
feel its transforming influence on the heart, and 
exemplify its power in the life. The religion 
of Christ is an intelligent matter, demanding re- 
flection consistent with reason, and with com- 
mon sense ; and ever solicits investigation? 
from which it has nothing to fear ; but from 
which it gains much. Unlike superstition, fos- 
tered by ignorance, it is said to impart light to 
the ignorant, and wisdom to the simple. " The 
entrance of thy word giveth light, it maketh 
wise the simple." The true Christian, therefore, 
knows what he believes ; he has tested well 



CHRISTIAN DErORTMENT. 27 

his principles, and can say, without fear of con- 
tradiction, " We know what we worship." 

In this respect he has the advantage of the 
whole world beside. Not only the uncivilized 
and most degraded heathen, but also the an- 
cient Greeks and Romans, with all their philo- 
sophy and refinement, knew not God, or what 
they believed, or worshipped. They deified 
every thing " in the heavens above, and in the 
earth beneath, and in the waters under the 
earth." Still they knew not what they wor- 
shipped ; but began with this invocation, 
" Whosoever thou art," &c. 

Even in the capital at Rome, was an altar 
or tablet, with this inscription, " Genio urbis 
Romae, sive Mas sive Femina* 

But the Christian, possessed of far superior 
light and happiness, can exclaim : " And we 
know that we are of God, and the whole world 
lieth in wickedness." " And we know that the 
Son of God is come, and hath given us an un- 



28 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

derstanding, that we may know him that is 
true ; and we are in him that is true, even in 
his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, 
and eternal life." 1 John, v. 19, 20. 

" And every man that hath this hope in him 
purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Vide 
1 John, iii.. 3. 

That religion is the best, which is the best 
adapted to promote the honor of God, and the 
holiness, and consequent happiness of man. 
Such is the religion of the Bible. It is an 
emanation of the Deity. It came from heaven, 
and it leads to heaven ! And it is impossible 
to become the subject of this religion, without 
also becoming wise, virtuous and happy. 

" There can be no religion found, 
So just to God, so safe for man." 

Religion does not consist of a few vague 
notions floating in the brain, but it has its seat 
in the heart, and forms and matures the life and 
character, by its hallowed influence. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 29 

2. Christian deportment — Harmonizes with 
the spirit of the gospel. 

The spirit which the gospel breathes is love ! 
This is the essence, and heaven-born genius of 
the gospel. This is the fulfilling of the whole 
law of Christ, and the sum and substance of 
all true religion. 

All may be comprehended in this, love to 
God, and love to man ; and whatever is not 
the genuine fruit of love, and partakes not of 
this spirit, savors not of the religion of Christ. 
The venerable Rowland Hill says, " Love is 
the diamond, amongst the jewels of the be- 
liever's breast-plate. The other graces shine, 
like the precious stones of nature, with their 
own peculiar lustre, and various hues ; but the 
diamond is white. Now, in white, all the col- 
ors are united : so in love, is centered every 
other Christian grace and virtue." 

Alas ! how many who profess to be the sub- 
jects of religion, and the disciples of the meek 

3* 



30 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

and lowly Jesus, never breathe the spirit of 
love ! They appear to live in quite a different 
atmosphere, and give sad evidence that this is 
their true element. They are actuated by a 
spirit of bitterness and wrath, contention and 
envy, hatred and malice, with all uncharitable- 
ness. To be identified with some party. High 
or low church, old or new school. This or 
that system of forms and measures. And with 
the Shibboleth of this, or the other sect — cry- 
ing, " I am of Paul, and I of Apollos !" To 
settle this question, appears to be the very 
acme of their ambition. This, apparently, is 
all they seek ; and though they have assumed 
the Christian name, they do not exhibit the 
meek and lowly spirit of the Prince of Peace, 
but the malignant and baneful spirit of the 
Prince of hell. " Verily, I say unto you, they 
have their reward/' This is the spirit by 
which they are constantly actuated, notwith- 
standing their reiterated and clamorous cry, 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 31 

" The Temple of the Lord are we ! The 
Temple of the Lord are we !" 

A venerable father, on whose locks more 
than eighty winters had shed their snows, be- 
ing asked what were his religious sentiments 
now that he was approaching the world of 
spirits, replied, " I was at first a Baptist ; then 
a kind of New Light ; afterward a Congre- 
gationalist ; now my only creed is, God be 
merciful to me a sinner." Such a reply evin- 
ced most delightfully the spirit and power of 
the gospel ; and is worthy the attention of 
every Christian. While it is the privilege of 
all to enjoy their distinctive peculiarities, so 
far as they do not affect the essentials of Chris- 
tianity, yet nothing can be more opposed to the 
spirit of the gospel, than the contracted, selfish, 
and party spirit, which has so often distracted 
and divided the church of Christ, and poured 
such a desolating flood of woes upon Zion, as 
to cause her to bleed at every pore ; to rend 



32 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

the Savior's seamless vesture, and to crucify 
the Lord afresh. This is not to walk as "be- 
cometh the gospel of Christ," so as to promote 
its interests, adorn its doctrines, and to recom- 
mend it to the cheerful and universal accept- 
ance of others. No ; it is calculated to coun- 
teract its progress, retard its triumphs, and 
furnish occasion for its enemies to blaspheme. 
Surely, then, it is vastly important, not only to 
profess the principles, but also to imbibe the 
spirit of the gospel, the fruits of which are 
"love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against 
such there is no law." 

" And is the gospel peace and love ? 

Such let our conversation be; 
The serpent blended with the dove — 

Wisdom and meek simplicity." 

3. Christian deportment, is — Governed by 
the precepts of the gospel. Are we not com- 
manded by our divine Lord and Master, 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 33 

and by his inspired Apostles, to " deny our- 
selves, take up our cross, and follow him V 9 
To "watch and pray, that w r e enter not 
into temptation." To "continue instant in 
prayer, with thanksgiving/' Not to be " con- 
formed to this world, but to be transformed by 
the renewing of our minds." To " abstain 
from the very appearance of evil," as well as 
from evil itself. To " deny all ungodliness and 
worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, 
and godly, in this present evil world." " Fi- 
nally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, 
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things 
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso- 
ever things are of good report, if there be any 
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on 
these things." " Those things, which ye have 
both learned, and received, and heard, and seen 
in me, do ; and the God of peace shall be with 
you." " And the very God of peace sanctify 
you wholly ; and I pray God your whole spirit, 



34 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

and soul, and body, be preserved blameless, 
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
These are some of the sublime precepts of that 
gospel which the Christian professes to have 
received, which as a Christian he is most so- 
lemnly bound to obey, and by which his life 
must be constantly governed. But if those 
professing godliness are easily betrayed into 
temptation, and omission of religious duty; 
are disposed to gratify the corrupt propensities 
of a deceitful heart ; love the world, and rush 
with the giddy throng into its vortex of vanity 
and dissipation ; and exhihit as selfish and se- 
cular a spirit as those who make no preten- 
sions to piety. Is this to act compatibly with 
the pure and elevating principles of our holy 
religion ? Is this, I ask, the way to adorn the 
gospel of Christ — to exhibit the doctrines of 
the cross ; and to swell its triumphs ? Chris- 
tian, remember that a holy life must take the 
precedence of precepts and professions, and 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT, 



35 



that the latter are vain without the former. 
It is said of a certain preacher, whose moral 
character was suspicious, that he used to tell 
his people when preaching, " You must do as 
I say, and not do as I do." This is also too 
frequently implied by the example of professors 
of religion. Surely, such conduct is not sanc- 
tioned by the spirit and principles of the Bible? 
which conveys to such a most direct and pow- 
erful reproof. " Thou, therefore, which teach- 
est another, teachest thou not thvself ! Thou 
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou 
steal ! Thou that sayest a man should not 
commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery f 
Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit 
sacrilege ! Thou that makest thy boast of the 
law, through breaking the law, dishonorest thou 
God !" Rom. ii. 21 — 23. Let then the pure and 
infallible maxims of the gospel be the rule of 
the Christian's conduct, and the guide of his 
life. Then he need not fear the withering, 



3G CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

but just retort, " Physician, heal thyself." " I 
beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mer- 
cies of God, that ye present your bodies a 
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, 
which is your reasonable service." " And be 
not conformed to the world ; but be ye 
transformed by the renewing of your mind, 
that ye may prove what is that good, and ac- 
ceptable, and perfect will of God." Rom. xii. 
1,2. " And besides this, giving all diligence, 
add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, know- 
ledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ; and to 
temperance, patience ; and to patience, godli- 
ness ; and to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and 
to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these 
things be in you, and abound, they make you 
that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful 
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and 
cannot see afar off; and hath forgotten that he 
was purged from his old sins. Wherefore 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 37 

the rather, brethren, give diligence to make 
your calling and election sure ; for if ye do 
these things, ye shall never fall : For so an en- 
trance shall be ministered unto you abundantly, 
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter, i. 5 — 11. 

4. Christian deportment — Demonstrates the 
glorious efficiency of the gospel. 

Great is the influence of the truth where it 
prevails, and its triumphs shall be as universal 
as they are certain. Its potency has often 
been exhibited, in subduing prevailing corrup- 
tions, in destroying firm and inveterate habits 
of sin, and in controlling the licentious passions 
of the human heart. Witness the great and 
visible change which is effected, wherever and 
whenever the gospel comes, not in word only, 
but in power. The transformation is as won- 
derful as it is real ! It transforms the lion into 

a lamb ; the demon into an angel ! It slays 
4 



38 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT* 

the enmity of the carnal mind, and "turns 
the disobedient to the wisdom of the just !" 
With what divine energy does it operate to 
produce the rich fruits of righteousness, in a 
soil which was once " barren, and nigh unto 
cursing." 

As an illustration — See that poor sottish de- 
bauchee ; scoffs at religion and the Bible ; 
blasphemes his Maker ; is a moral pest to so- 
ciety, and lives a curse to himself and to the 
world. The grace of God reaches his soul. 
Its glorious efficiency is at once displayed. 
The daring skeptic believes and trembles ; the 
bold blasphemer begins to pray ; the senseless 
inebriate abandons his cups ; the careless sin- 
ner becomes serious ; views his situation ; feels 
his guilt and danger ; beholds the cross ; flees 
to Jesus, and a thorough reformation of heart 
and life ensues. What, short of the gospel of 
truth, could effect so complete and wonderful 
a change ? Can human philosophy, the max- 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 39 

ims of the wisest sages, the purest system of 
ethics taught in the ancient and the modern 
schools, and the force of mere moral suasion, 
produce an effect like this ? The most con- 
vincing facts, with the experience of ages, echo, 
No! 

But the gospel, which is the " power of God 
unto salvation," wins another, and still another 
trophy, and thus a living and eternal monu- 
ment is raised to commemorate its triumphs. 

Christians must let their whole deportment 
evince this efficiency more and more ; give in- 
dubitable evidence that they have not " re- 
ceived the grace of grace of God in vain ;" 
and that it is not a dead and latent principle, 
but operative and powerful ; " working effec- 
tually in them that believe." A divine princi- 
ple, which is " mighty through God, to the pul- 
ling down of the strong holds of sin and Satan." 
If our uniform deportment be consistent with 
the spirit and principles of the gospel of Christ, 



40 CHRISTIAN DEFORTMENT. 

it will demonstrate the powerful efficiency of 
that gospel, in " sanctifying us wholly," and 
making us entirely devoted to the service of 
God. " Sanctify them through thy truth, (says 
Jesus) thy word is truth" All sin and error, 
both in theory and in practice, must be van- 
quished by the powerful and superior force of 
eternal truth. 

" Truth crushed to earth will rise again ; 

The eternal years of God are hers ; 
But error wounded, writhes in pain, 

And dies amid her worshipers," 

5. Christian deportment — Recommends the 
high claims of the gospel to the whole intelli- 
gent universe. 

Yes, it exhibits those claims as worthy the 
attention of all. It seals the lips of gainsayers. 
Takes away all occasion of offence. Leaves 
the enemies of the cross without excuse ; and 
is most eminently calculated to win them over 
to the faith and practice of the gospel. Hence 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 41 

it should be the constant aim of all who pro- 
fess the gospel, thus to enforce its precepts, and 
by their own example, recommend to others 
its rich and lasting blessings. 

"Precepts instruct us," says one, "what 
things are our duty, but examples assure us that 
they are practicable. They resemble a clear 
stream, wherein we may not only discover our 
spots, but wash them off. 

" When we see men like ourselves, who are 
united to frail flesh, and in the same condition 
with us, commanding their passions, and over- 
coming temptation, we are encouraged in our 
spiritual warfare." 

Yes ; examples, by a secret and powerful im- 
pulse urge us to imitation. We read in ancient 
history, that the Romans preserved in their 
houses portraits of their ancestors, to animate 
their spirits, and to induce them to follow the 
noble precedents set before them. We are sen- 
sibly affected by the example of eminently holy 



42 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

Christians, which reproaches our defects, and 
induces us to imitate their virtues. When 
Seneca was informed by a messenger from 
Nero, that he should die ; he received the in- 
telligence with remarkable fortitude and joy. 
He wished to dispose of his possessions as he 
pleased, but this was refused ; and when he 
heard it, he turned to his friends, who were 
weeping over his melancholy fate, and replied, 
" Since I cannot leave you, my friends, what I 
believe to be my own, I will at least bequeath 
you my life for your example" An upright 
deportment, which they might imitate, and by 
imitating w T hich, they might secure both honor 
and immortality. 

But alas, how few there are of the professed 
disciples of Jesus, who uniformly exhibit that 
example of inoffensive, humble, and affection- 
ate piety, which, were it properly exhibited, 
could not fail to recommend the religion of the 
Cross to universal attention. Many evils are 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 43 

attributed to the gospel, which belong to its in- 
consistent, and heartless professors ; and many 
falsely accuse the religion of Jesus of those 
bitter fruits which it expressly prohibits ; but 
which too many of its professed adherents 
produce. Then, let it be the constant object 
of our solicitude to bring into subjection every 
rebellious passion, and to copy closely after 
Jesus, the Christian's great Exemplar. Then 
shall we be " the living epistles of the Lord ; 
known and read of all men." Thus, by our 
deep-toned, living, energetic piety, exemplified 
in a holy life and conversation, we shall con- 
vey the most deep and powerful conviction to 
the mind of every candid beholder, that there 
is a glorious reality in religion ; and that the 
doctrine of the Cross, is the " wisdom of God, 
and the power of God." 

" Thus shall we best proclaim abroad, 
The honors of our Savior God ; 
When his salvation reigns within, 
And grace subdues the power of sin." 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 45 

CHAPTER II. 

How Christian Deportment should he maintained. 

" For our conversation is in heaven." 

Christian deportment is to be maintained 
most effectually and permanently, 

1. By cultivating a holy correspondence be- 
tween God and the soul Such a correspon- 
dence is beautifully intimated, by what is said 
of Enoch and Noah: — They "walked with 
Godr 

There is a stated correspondence maintained 
between God and believing souls. A corres- 
pondence which is daily renewed, and which 
must be so, to promote vital piety, and keep 
us spiritually alive. We must not omit this 
when our feelings are not so happy or com- 
fortable, as we could wish. We must not con- 
sult our feelings so much as our duty. No- 
thing can be more uncertain and capricious 



46 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 



than frames and feelings ; and, consequently, 
nothing less worthy of our dependence. Our 
constant inquiry must be, What would Jesus 
Christ have me do ? Have la" Thus saith 
the Lord," to warrant me to act, or not to act ? 
Never must we be governed by mere emo- 
tion, but by fixed and holy principles. Confer 
not with flesh and blood ; but in the faithful 
discharge of duty, and the constant use of the 
appropriate means, we must press on our way 
to God ; and he will most certainly be found 
of us, and will bless us. Omit the sacred hour 
of secret prayer ; abandon the hallowed re- 
tirement of the closet ; and like Sampson, shorn 
of his locks, we shall lose our moral strength, 
and become " weak, like any other man.'' 
This truth is beautifully illustrated by the 
following anecdote. An English clergyman 
preaching from this passage, " Acknowledge 
the Lord in all thy ways, and he shall direct 
thy paths," observed as follows : " Archbishop 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 47 

Cranmer, who died a martyr, said that the day 
he signed his recantation back to popery, he 
omitted private prayer in the morning. This 
brought to my recollection the two memorable 
occurrences of my life, when I omitted private 
prayer, and w r ent to my business. On each 
day, I had an accident that nearly cost me my 
life ; but in mercy I was spared to my family. 
Private prayer is a high privilege. I cannot 
neglect it any more than I can neglect my 
food. It is my grand stay for each day ; and 
I feel that, unless I acknowledge God herein, 
I have no right to expect his guidance and pro- 
tection." The author can also testify, that he 
never knew a day, since the time he trusts he 
experienced religion, that he omitted secret 
devotion, that he did not fall into some kind of 
sin, or met with some unexpected difficulty. 
This, doubtless, is the experience of most 
Christians, who like Jonah, receive Jonah's 
fare. It is by communion with God in the 



48 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

hallowed seclusion of the closet, that the Chris- 
tian's soul is fed with heavenly manna ; and it 
must be gathered every day, or our spiritual 
strength must languish. For the Christian to 
rely on past experience for spiritual strength 
and comfort, is as vain as for an individual to 
expect the food which he received yesterday, 
to sustain him to-day. It is as necessary for 
the Christian to visit his closet to-day as yes- 
terday, in order to maintain a deportment wor- 
thy of his high character and destiny, and to 
live as it " becometh the gospel of Christ." 

" Long as they live, should Christians pray, 
For only while they pray they live." 

There is also a special correspondence be- 
tween God and the soul of the believer. The 
spirit of God sometimes urges us to special 
acts of devotion, draws the heart to God in 
ejaculatory prayer ; and pious thoughts dart 
up towards heaven— 

" The circle where our passions move, 
The centre of the soul." 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 49 

These acts of devotion may be eminently 
profitable ; for through this medium a holy in- 
tercourse is maintained with God and with 
heaven. The influence of this is most clearly 
visible by the elevation of our piety, and the 
extent of our usefulness. 

2. Christian deportment may be promo- 
ted — By realizing our relation to the glorified 
spirits in heaven. Such a relation there is — 
near and intimate. One family ! Yes, one 
great and glorious brotherhood ! Our abodes 
are indeed different. They have done with a 
body of sin and death. We have yet to 
struggle with this cumbrous load of mortality. 
Still we are the children of the same Father ; 
one in Christ — and heirs of the same inheri- 
tance. Christ is the great centre, in which 
w 7 e all meet. For in him the " whole family, 
in heaven and on earth, is named." He is our 

elder brother, and his love the bond of our 
5 



50 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

union. Jesus is not ashamed, though he be 
the glorified Head of the family, to call all his 
people upon earth, by the endearing appella- 
tion of brethren. Now, we are constantly to 
realize this relation, and to let our deportment 
be influenced by proper views of it. How 
beautifully does the apostle state this fact in 
Heb. xii. 22 — 24 : " But ye are come unto 
Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living 
God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innu- 
merable company of angels ; to the general 
assembly and church of the first-born, which 
are written in heaven, and to God the Judge 
of all, and to the spirits of just men made per- 
fect ; and to Jesus the Mediator of the new 
covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that 
speaketh better things than the blood of Abel." 
Hence, one spiritual church — one holy, happy 
family, we dwell in Christ the glorious Head; 
and doing this, we have our conversation and 
our citizenship in heaven. The glorified part 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 51 

of the family look down with affectionate in- 
terest upon us, while pressing onward to the 
skies ; and will rejoice to receive us to the 
mansions of glory, as sons of the Highest ! 
and citizens of heaven ! 

3. This object may be attained — By having 
our spirit and deportment, as much as pos- 
sible, assimilated to theirs who are in heaven. 

We may readily form an idea what they 
are. How peaceful ! How holy ! How 
zealous ! How full of love to God ! — to 
Christ — to one another \ Yes, they also love 
our race, and rejoice over the conversion of 
one sinner, more than the joy of calling the 
treasures of the universe their own. Now 
they behold a prodigal return ! The child of 
hell become the child of God, and heir of end- 
less life ! And suppose one of those happy 
spirits were again to tabernacle on earth, 
after passing through such celestial scenes of 



52 CHRISTIAN DEPOTRMENT. 

joy and glory in the heavenly world ! Would 
not the same peace and purity, benevolence 
and zeal, distinguish his character 1 I answer, 
most assuredly such would be the fact. 

" Once they were mourners here below, 
And wet their couch with tears ; 
They labored hard, as we do now, 
With sins, and doubts, and fears." 

Now we must familiarize ourselves with 
these celestial intelligences, that in action and 
in character, we may be constantly assimila- 
ting to those holy and benevolent spirits, who 
minister to the heirs of salvation. Thus shall 
we have our " conversation in heaven," imbibe 
its spirit, and breathe its holy and peaceful at- 
mosphere. 

4. Christian deportment may be maintain- 
ed — By cultivating a growing affection to- 
ward heavenly objects, — the society, the em- 
ployments, and the holy pleasures of the hea- 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 53 

venly state. To this we are affectionately ex- 
horted, in Coloss. iii. 1 — 3, " If ye then be 
risen with Christ, seek those things which are 
above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand 
of God. Set your affections on things above, 
not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, 
and your life is hid with Christ in God." 

We are to meditate on heavenly objects, 
that we may become more and more conver- 
sant with " things which are not seen, and are 
eternal." 

u Look round and see those numbers infinite, 
That stand before the throne, and in their hands 
Palms waving high, as token of victory 
For battles won — these are the sons of men 
Redeemed, the ransomed of the Lamb of God : 
All these, and millions more of kindred blood, 
Who now are out on messages of love — 
All these — their virtue, beauty, excellence, 
And joy, are purchase of redeeming blood ; 
Their glory, bounty of redeeming love." 

Anticipate the time when we shall leave this 
world of sin and sorrow, to join the triumph- 



54 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

ant, blood-washed throng ; behold the glories 
of the Lamb, and lose faith in full fruition. 
Are these the Christian's hopes ? Are such his 
bright and cheering prospects ? Then it is no 
small thing to be a Christian ! Nor to main- 
tain the purity and dignity of the Christian 
name and character ! For what does the 
Christian hope ? Why, to " be for ever with 
the Lord, which is far better." And thus to 
be perfectly conformed to his adorable will and 
image. Yes, the presence and smiles of Christ 
shall constitute his highest happiness in hea- 
ven. But another source of bliss shall be, the 
society of all the spirits of the just made per- 
fect. Heaven is the sweet and happy home 
of all the redeemed. This is to be their eter- 
nal abode ! In bonds of sweetest union, are 
there eternally joined, all the angels of light, 
with the ransomed in glory. What amazing 
joy will be realized by union to this glorious 
family ! Among the glorified members of this 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 55 

happy family, may be found the great and good 
of every age and nation. Those who have 
blessed the world by their " works of faith, and 
labors of love." Those whose memory is 
gratefully cherished in the hearts of the pious, 
as the greatest benefactors of mankind, and 
whose name shall be had in remembrance 
when the name of an Alexander, a Hannibal, 
and a Napoleon, shall sink into the shades of 
eternal oblivion. 

The society of heaven is indeed composed 
of the "elite of the universe," and amid that 
glorious, happy throng may be found those, the 
sweet memorials of whose piety, are designed 
to animate ours. Yes, among those venerable 
worthies are enrolled the names of a Calvin 
and a Luther, a WicklifFe and a Melancthon, 
a Whitfield and a Wesley, cum multis aliis. 
Yes, millions more, which time^would fail us 
to enumerate. Should not the accession to 
heaven's glorified ranks of such choice and 



56 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

venerable spirits, invest it with peculiar, and 
superior attractions ? And should not the me- 
morials of the piety of such, animate our piety, 
and quicken our pace towards the celestial 
city ? Let the Christian seek more enlighten- 
ed and elevated views of the blessed Savior's 
character and glory, cultivate more constant 
communion with him, and with* the glorified 
spirits in heaven — raise his thoughts and affec- 
tions above, and his path shall then be that of 
the just, which " shineth more and more unto 
the perfect day." " Now the God of peace, 
that brought again from the dead our Lord 
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through 
the blood of the everlasting covenant, make 
you perfect in every good work to do his will, 
working in you that which is well pleasing in 
his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be 
glory for ever and ever. Amen." Heb. xiii, 
20, 21. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 57 

" March in sorrow, march in woe, 
Onward, Christian, onward go ! 
Fight the fight, and, worn with strife, 
Steep with tears the bread of life. 
Onward, Christians, onward go ! 
Join the war, and face the foe," 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 59 

CHAPTER III. 

*Ihe inestimable privileges inseparably connected with 
Christian Deportment, 

" Ye are the light of the world." 

The great and rich privileges inseparably 
connected with Christian deportment are beau- 
tifully set forth, alto relievo, or with peculiar pro- 
minence, wherever any reference is made to 
this subject in the inspired volume. The Lord 
Jesus designs to present these rich advantages 
to our view, where he speaks of Christians as 
the "light of the world." Matt. v. 14. And 
also by the Apostle, where he speaks of them 
as "Walking in the light, as God is in the 
light" 1 John, i. 7. A more beautiful and 
appropriate figure could not be employed for 
this purpose. 

1. By this figure is exhibited the beauty of 
Christian deportment. The figure, you per- 



60 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

ceive, which is here employed to exhibit the 
real beauty of the Christian character and de„ 
portment, is light. By this term is implied 
knowledge and holiness, in opposition to igno- 
rance and sin. By the latter terms, ignorance 
and sin, is denoted, darkness. Hence the so- 
lemn command, " Have no fellowship with the 
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather re- 
prove them." 

Knowledge and holiness are denoted by 
light, and hence the invitation, " Oh, house of 
Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of 
the Lord." Thus a more beautiful and appro- 
priate figure could not be employed, than that 
of light, to exhibit the moral sublimity of a 
truly Christian deportment. There is great 
beauty as well as utility in light. It possesses 
those properties which constitute it a pleasant 
and lovely object of contemplation ; so that 
one of the wisest of men exclaims, " Truly the 
light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 61 

eyes to behold the sun !" We can form but a 
faint conception, how great a calamity the total 
extinction of light would be to this world. 
The darkness and deathlike stillness of night 
would universally prevail. Our seas would 
cease to teem with commerce. The hum of 
business in our cities would be hushed into the 
stillness of midnight. The implements of ag- 
riculture, and of the mechanical arts, would 
be abandoned as useless. Life would cease 
to be an object of desire. Solitude, starvation, 
and death, would be the sad destiny of man. 
This sad catastrophe is most graphically de- 
scribed by Byron, in one of his exquisitely fine 
poems. 

" I had a dream, which was not all a dream. 

The bright sun was extinguished, and the stars 

Did wander darkling in the eternal space, 

Rayless and pathless, and the icy earth 

Swung blind and blackening, in the moonless air; 

Morn came, and went, and came — and brought no day, 

6 



62 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

" The world was void, 
The populous and the powerful was a lump, 
Seasonless, herbless, treeless, manless, lifeless — - 
A lump of death — a chaos of hard clay. 
The rivers, lakes, and ocean, all stood still, 
And nothing stirred within their silent depths ; 
Ships sailorless lay, rotting on the sea, 
And their masts fell down piecemeal ; as they dropped, 
They slept on the abyss without a surge. 
The waves were dead ; the tides were in their grave ; 
The moon, their mistress, had expired before ; 
The winds were withered in the stagnant air, 
And the clouds perished. Darkness had no need 
Of aid from them — she was the universe." 

What an inconceivable benefit, therefore, 
is light ! This every one perceives. All are 
sensible of the beauty and utility of light. A 
man need not be a philosopher, and deeply 
read in the secrets of nature or of science, to 
be conscious of this. Every one is conscious 
that there is something in the very nature of 
darkness, that is utterly opposed to every sen- 
timent we entertain of the sublime and beau- 
tiful. Thtts, there is a natural sublimity in a 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 63 

truly Christian deportment, a deportment form- 
ed upon the great and noble principles of the 
gospel truth. Such a deportment is invested 
with a real excellence, which commends itself 
to every rightly constituted mind. The mind 
that is at all enlightened in the knowledge of 
God, or blessed with spiritual discernment, 
perceives at once its beauty, and dwells upon it 
with interest and delight. There is something 
in integrity, in meekness, in benevolence, and in 
other attributes of Christian character, that 
sheds a sweet lustre o'er our pathway to 
heaven, reflects credit on our holy religion, and 
glorifies its author. 

But on the other hand, there is a native de- 
formity in sin ; and every thing opposed to the 
religion of Jesus, or the principles of Christian 
holiness, is dark and repulsive to the mind of 
every pure intelligence ; while holiness pos- 
sesses peculiar and infinite attractions, which 
even Satan himself is constrained to venerate. 



64 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

" Abashed the devil stood, 
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw 
Virtue, in her shape how lovely." 

2. By the same figure is exhibited the con- 
sistency of Christian deportment. It is unique 
and uniform, and denominated, " Walking in 
the light." By this is implied a direct and 
even coarse, in contradistinction to the indirect 
and uneven course of the hypocrite and pre- 
tender. A truly Christian deportment is con- 
sistent with the Word of eternal truth. This 
is the Christian's directory. He makes this 
his guide, and the " man of his counsel." 

He looks to the commands and requirements 
of the Word of God, and he applies them, as 
one applies a rule ; nor will he ever turn to 
the right or to the left, without a " Thus saith 
the Lord." The Bible is his chart and com- 
pass, and by this he steers his course towards 
the haven of rest. Thus, in the language of 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 65 

the youthful bard, who sung of the things of 
Time, he can say : 

" Most wond'rons book ! bright candle of the Lord ! 

Star of eternity ! The only star 

By which the bark of man can navigate 

The sea of life, and gain the coast of bliss V* 

The Christian loves the Bible. He makes it 
his companion, and constant study. It is his 
every day book. It cheers him by its pro- 
mises, it guides him by its precepts, and he 
values it above all earthly treasure. His motto 
is " Nulla dies sine linea." He allows no day 
to pass without reading a portion of God's 
most holy word. 

Thus the Christian's deportment being con- 
sistent with the principles of eternal truth, is 
consistent with itself. It is uniform, and has 
in view one object, one purpose, and one aim ; 
and is attended with consequences as blissful 
as they are durable. 



66 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

3. Another rich benefit exhibited by this 
figure, is the security, by which a Christian 
deportment is attended. To walk in the light, 
is to walk in a safe way ; and to walk in the 
light of holiness, is to walk in security from 
all the deep laid stratagems of earth and hell. 
Thus escaping the snares of the flesh, the 
world, and the devil, we shall defeat the pur- 
pose of every spiritual foe. How impressively 
does our Lord enforce this in some of his sub- 
lime discourses. 

" Are there not twelve hours in the day ? If 
any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, 
because he seeth the light of this world. But if 
a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because 
there is no light in him. Yet a little while is 
the light with you. Walk while ye have the 
light, lest darkness come upon you : for he that 
walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he 
goeth. While ye have light, believe in the 
light, that ye may be the children of light." 
Vide John, xi. 9, 10. xii. 35. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. C7 

Alas, many do not appear conscious of the 
dangers that attend a course of sin, and of 
the inevitable difficulties in which the trans- 
gressor is constantly involved. Truly, the 
way of the transgressor is hard. He puts 
himself into the enemy's hand, and thus be- 
comes the prey of the destroyer. He may at 
any moment be drowned in perdition. While 
he cries, peace! peace! if grace interpose not, 
"sudden destruction cometh upon him/' In 
the light of holiness alone there is safety. The 
enemy shall not destroy us there, for a divine 
hand shall preserve us. " In the way of right- 
eousness is life, and in the pathway thereof 
there is no death." Prov. xii. 28. 

The Christian alone is secure and happy, 
for he carries all his treasure with him, while 
on the way of holiness to heaven. True, he 
has more in prospect, than he has in present 
possession, yet still he has the best security for 
all that is in abeyance. Bias having lost his 



68 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

city, and being put to flight, was asked by 
those who fled with him, with their treasures, 
why he took not something with him ; he an- 
swered, " Friends, I carry all my riches with 
me." Thus the Christian, though he be ban- 
ished, impoverished, and cast out from all, is 
able to say in a still higher sense, " I carry all 
my treasure with me." Possessing Christ, he 
possesses all things. He that has Christ, is 
rich and safe indeed. 

" Give what thou canst, without thee I am poor, 
And with thee rich, take what thou wilt away." 

4. This figure also exhibits the dignity of 
Christian deportment. It assimilates us to 
God. To the moral character of him who 
dwells in the light of knowledge, purity, and 
bliss ! Consequently, the only way to resem- 
ble God, is to " walk in the light, as God is in the 
light ;" or, in other words, to maintain an emi- 
nently holy life and character. God is the 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 69 

Christian's pattern; and so far as the Chris- 
tian walks in the light and practice of holiness, 
so far is he exalted to the resemblance of him, 
who is the Father of lights. Who would not 
resemble God ? Who would not bear the im- 
press of the Deity ? Who would not reflect 
the Divine image and glory ? This is the dis- 
tinguished privilege of the eminently holy Chris- 
tian ! Who would not be such a Christian ! 
Reader, emulate such a character, and rest not 
satisfied until you attain it, for this distinguish- 
ed honor may be yours. Never forget that 
"Christian is the highest style of man ;" and that 
consequently, the Christian ought not to have 
a spot upon his character, nor suffer the least 
discrepancy to exist between his life and his 
profession ; but " Holiness to the Lord," ought 
to be legibly inscribed on every thought, word, 
and action. Thus he will be an Israelite in- 
deed, in whom there is no allowed guile. " Be 
ye therefore followers of God, as dear chil- 



70 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

dren ; and walk in love, as Christ also hath 
loved us. and hath given himself for us, an of- 
fering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smel- 
ling savor. But fornication, and all unclean- 
ness, or covetousness, let it not once be named 
among you, as become th saints ; neither filthi- 
ness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are 
not convenient : but rather give thanks. For 
this we know, that no whoremonger, nor un- 
clean person, nor covetous man, who is an 
idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom 
of Christ and of God." Eph. v. 1—5. 

5. Another rich privilege connected with a 
truly Christian deportment, and represented as 
such by the apostle, is holy fellowship with the 
people of God. They who " walk in the light, 
as God is in the light" or maintain a holy life 
and conversation, the apostle declares, shall 
"have fellowship one with another." 1 John, 
i. 7. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 71 

Now this fellowship consists in spiritual 
union. They who walk in the light, by main- 
taining a Christian deportment, are one re- 
deemed and happy family, of which God is the 
Father. He hath " chosen them all to salva- 
tion, through sanctification of the spirit, and 
belief of the truth." That they should be holy, 
and without blame before him in love." He 
hath adopted them as his own peculiar children, 
by Jesus Christ, " according to the good plea- 
sure of his will ; to the praise of the glory of 
his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted 
in the Beloved." Vide Eph. i. 4 — 6. Hence 
they " receive the spirit of bondage no more 
to fear, but the spirit of adoption, whereby they 
cry, Abba Father." Rom. viii. 15. God calls 
them emphatically, his own, and sets his royal 
.seal upon them. 

They are one body, of which Christ is the 
head. In him they meet, and from him they 
derive their life, and all the blessings they en- 



72 CIIRISTIxiN DEPORTMENT. 

joy. " They grow up into him in all things, 
which is the Head, even Christ," &c. Eph. 
iv. 15, 16. 

They are a holy temple, of which Christ is 
the foundation. On him they are built, who is 
the Rock of Ages, firm as heaven's eternal 
throne, the throne of Deity ! They are a ha- 
bitation of God, through the Spirit. They are 
compact together as the stones of a building, 
or the limbs that compose the body ! 

" Their fears, their hopes, their aims are one, 
Their comforts and their cares." 

This fellowship also consists in affectionate 
intercourse. This will be promoted, and be 
profitable, just in proportion as we live under 
the hallowed influence of religion. A careless 
and worldly deportment gives a death-blow to 
Christian intercourse. When this is the case 
Christians will be shy of each other, and pious 
conversation will be deemed obtrusive. But 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 73 

when Christians live in the exercise of religion, 
and walk worthy of their vocation, then reli- 
gious conversation will be sweet and refresh- 
ing. Then they will prefer the society of those 
who are the most eminently holy in their lives, 
and spiritual in their conversation, and their 
language will constantly be, 

" Mid scenes of confusion and creature complaints, 
How sweet to my soul is communion with saints ; 
To find at the banquet of mercy there's room, 
And fee) in the presence of Jesus at home." 

This fellowship also consists in a mutual in- 
terest in the benefits of Christian ordinances, 
and in all the rich blessings of the gospel. The 
precious Word of God comes down upon their 
thirsty souls "like the rain upon the mown 
ground, and as showers that water the earth." 
The gales of heaven breathe upon them their 
sweet odors. They wait upon the Lord in 
concert, and find it good to do so ! Passing 
through the valley of Baca, they make it a 

7 



74 OHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

well ; the rain also filleth the pools. They go 
from strength to strength, every one of them in 
Zion appeareth before God." 

They love the house of God, and attend it 
from principle. A Sunday fever, a portentous 
cloud, and a falling shower, can never furnish 
them with a sufficient apology for vacating 
their seat in the sanctuary, or wilfully neglect- 
ing the public ordinances of religion. These 
may satisfy the heartless professor and hypo- 
crite for their neglect of duty, but not the 
Christian ; the language of whose heart is, 
" Lord, I have loved the habitations of thy 
house, and the place where thine honor dwel- 
leth." " And we will not forsake the house of 
our God." 

When they commune at his table, and re- 
ceive the sweet emblems of dying love, the 
dews of heavenly grace refresh their spirits, as 
dews on Hermon's mount, and shed around a 
grateful fragrance, like the precious ointment 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 75 

of sweet odor that perfumed the robes of Is- 
rael's High Priest ! Thus they fully realize 
the Divine faithfulness, in the fulfilment of 
these sweet promises : " I will be as the dew 
unto Israel ; he shall grow as the lily, and cast 
forth his roots as Lebanon." Vide Hosea, xiv. 
5. " But they that wait upon the Lord shall 
renew their strength ; they shall mount up with 
wings as eagles ; they shall run and not be 
weary ; they shall walk, and not faint.*' Isa. 
xl. 31. Oh, then, let every professing Chris- 
tian exclaim, with the sweet singer of Israel, 
" One thing have I desired of the Lord, that 
will I seek after; that I may dwell in the 
house of the Lord all the days of my life, to 
behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire 
in his temple." Ps. xxvii. 4. 

In connection with this, Christians who are 
faithful, "walking in all the ordinances and 
commandments of the Lord blameless," enjoy 
a mutual interest in all the rich benefits of ato- 



73 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

ning blood, the intercessions of Christ, the 
teachings of the Spirit, and in the blissful hope 
of a glorious immortality. Such a fellowship 
is sacred — ennobling, and a source both of 
sanctified pleasure, and of real and immortal 
benefit. 

6. By this interesting figure is also exhibited 
the rich benefits which a Christian deportment 
confers upon others. 

By attaining great elevation of piety, implied 
by " walking in the light of the Lord," we 
shall also " shine as lights in the world !" Be- 
come the satellites of the " Sun of Righteous- 
ness," and diffuse around us those rays of 
knowledge and piety, which may guide every 
wandering sinner into the way of life. By the 
darkness of sin we lead others astray, but by 
the light of holiness, as exhibited in a Christian 
deportment, we discover to them their danger, 
and their remedy. This world is involved 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 77 

in great moral darkness, and vast multitudes 
are living in the " region and shadow of death." 
In the midst of this moral gloom, the " Fa- 
ther of lights" has here and there kindled 
up little lights, and scattered them around in 
various families and communities, and denomi- 
nates them the " Light of the world ;" and 
commands them " so to let their light shine, that 
others may see their good works, and glorify 
their Father, who is in heaven/' How vastly 
important it is that they should shine with a 
constant and increasing effulgence. How im- 
portant also that every one of these lights, how- 
ever small, should shine. Many Christians do 
not let their light shine because they suppose it 
so faint and feeble, that it will do no good ; and 
therefore excuse themselves from doing any- 
thing because they can do so little ! Such an 
excuse is perfectly fallacious and criminal, and 
a most unwarranted and flagitious assump- 
tion ! God employs a great variety of instru- 

7* 



78 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

mentalities ; and what means he may bless, it 
is not our province to determine. Duties are 
ours, events are God's. In the Divine economy, 
the feeblest means may be as important as the 
most potent. In the natural world, very small 
things, considered abstractly, are of the greatest 
utility, and consequently indispensable. As 
an illustration, look at that little shining speck 
called the polar star. Comparatively speak- 
ing, it is very insignificant, and apparently 
might have been annihilated, or excluded from 
the planetary system without inconvenience to 
any one. But is it so insignificant and useless ? 
No, verily, for who can conceive the immense 
benefit this little star has conferred upon the 
maritime business of the world. How often 
has it told the storm-tossed, bewildered mari- 
ner, his latitude, and apprized him of his dan- 
ger. What a vast amount of life and property 
it has been the means of saving. Yet the 
weakest Christian that ever lived, who lets his 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 79 

light shine, may confer an infinitely greater 
benefit on this world, than that star, with mil- 
lions beside, ever conferred ! 

As a further illustration, take yonder light- 
house. As you sail along the sea coast, you 
will see here and there a little light elevated. 
They are very little lights, apparently of no 
greater magnitude than a fixed star, and mil- 
lions of them would not communicate as much 
light as the sun. Still they are of immense 
utility in their relation to the mariner, and the 
feeble light which they afford points out his 
course, and conducts him safely to his desired 
haven. Thus by the aid of these lights, thou- 
sands in the darkest nights, navigate the track- 
less ocean with safety. Extinguish these lights, 
and for a moment contemplate the fearful con- 
sequences ! Very soon the tempest comes on 
with terrific violence. All is total darkness. 
Fear and dismay fill the hearts of every mari- 
ner. Death in one of its most frightful forms 



80 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

stares them in'the face, and wherever they turn 
threatens to make them his speedy prey. They 
look out for the light-house, but all is perfect 
darkness. The men at the helm are at a per- 
fect loss which way to steer their vessels- 
By and by one is dashed to pieces ; then an- 
other, and still another ; and this work of deso- 
lation and death goes on all through the night. 
The next morning discloses the sad conse- 
quences of putting out those lights. The ocean 
is covered with the fragments of vessels, float- 
ing merchandise, and the lifeless forms of men, 
women, and children. Families and villages 
are filled with mourning, and widows and or- 
phans bewail the sad catastrophe that made 
them such. While all with fearful emotions 
contemplate the horrors of that night ! Alas, 
what did we do when we extinguished those 
little, insignificant lights. 

See, then, how important that Christians 
should let their spiritual light shine. Sinners 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 81 

are in imminent danger while on the voyage of 
life. The dark night of sin has settled down 
upon their souls, and they are often driven to 
the most fearful extremities. Christians are 
scattered all around, to serve as so many spir- 
itual light-houses, to point out their danger and 
direct them to a safe harbor. Let the Chris- 
tian then, keep his light burning and shining ; if 
it be but a single ray, it may be of immense 
utility in directing the wandering eye of some 
poor sinner to the " Star of Bethlehem" Let 
the Christian beware of a spiritual eclipse. 
Suffer not the world to come between Christ 
and the soul, and thus totally or partially ob- 
scure the light that he ought to reflect on all 
around him. Let the Christian also bew r are 
of acting on the principle of selfish, spiritual 
absorption. That is, to overlook the fact, that 
" now henceforth he must not live unto him- 
self" absorbing all the light that he receives, 
but must communicate it to others. He must 
resemble a reflector instead of a sponge. 



S2 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

A philosopher hearing it remarked, in rela- 
tion to a certain king, that one trait of charae- 
ter by which he was particularly distinguished, 
was, that he could drink a very large quantity 
of wine without exhibiting any symptoms of in- 
toxication, replied, " This is an excellent quality 
in a sponge, but not in a king." Christian reader, 
apply this, as illustrative of the foregoing prin- 
ciple. The sentiment expressed in the follow T - 
ing beautiful stanza, is equally true, both as it 
regards the communication of our property, or 
the hallowed influence of our piety, for the 
welfare of others, which by a reflex influence 
involves our own welfare and happiness : 

" The man may live, but never thrives, 
Who much receives, but nothing gives ; 
Whom none can love, whom none can thank, 
Creation's blot, creation's blank." 

It is impossible that it should be otherwise, 
as being diametrically opposed to every law, 
both natural and moral, and contrary to the 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 83 

very constitution and relation of things. If 
the heavenly bodies receive light from the sun, 
the great central luminary and original source? 
it is that they may reflect it upon other bodies. 
If the vast and mighty ocean receives into its 
bosom its ten thousand tributary streams, it is 
that it may by the process of evaporation sup- 
ply the clouds of heaven from its vast resources, 
and that they may empty themselves in rich 
and fertilizing showers upon the thirsty earth, 
and the earth in return yield of its abundance, 
" grass for cattle, and herb for the service of 
man." A selfish Christian ! Who can con- 
ceive of such an anomaly ! A selfish Chris- 
tian ! Why, selfishness is as unreasonable as 
it is wicked ! Its unreasonableness is evident 
from the fact, that it is choosing an infinitely 
less to an infinitely greater good, simply be- 
cause it is ours. The individual who lives 
only for himself, and who seeks his own good 
simply because it is his own, is at war, not only 



84 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

with all the elements of nature, and with every 
law, both natural and moral, but also with 
every other being in the universe ; and virtu- 
ally declares eternal war with all opposition. 

A selfish moral being cannot be happy. If 
he could possess the high prerogative of the 
Eternal, sway the destinies of the universe, 
and appropriate to himself the honors of Jeho- 
vah's throne, he would still be wretched. The 
very elements of his nature would deride him. 
His conscience would condemn him as a trai- 
tor, as absolutely unfit to receive such homage ; 
and he would justly become the eternal abhor- 
rence of every wise and good intelligence. 

A selfish being cannot be a good one, as he 
seeks others' good no farther than he can secure 
his own selfish ends ! The wickedness of sel- 
fishness also appears, from the immense evil 
which it has a tendency to produce. No 
thanks to a selfish being, that there is a vestige 
of virtue or true happiness in the universe. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 85 

Virtue alone can constitute true happiness. 
Virtue consists in acting right, and happiness is 
its natural and legitimate consequence. There 
is no virtue apart from the religion of Christ ; 
all beside is counterfeit and selfish. Selfish- 
ness is the law of Satan's empire ; therefore a 
selfish being is governed by the same law that 
Satan is, and one can be admitted into a pure 
and holy heaven as soon as the other, and not 
before, so long as they both retain this charac- 
ter. See therefore the goodness, as well as 
the justice of God, in excluding such a charac- 
ter from heaven I A selfish being w r ould fill 
heaven with abhorrence at him ! He could 
not be happy himself, nor remain there without 
interrupting the happiness of others, and in- 
flicting a deep and deadly wound on the inte- 
rests of the universe. An injury as irrepara- 
ble as infinite ! 

Selfishness assumes a great variety of forms ; 
for instance, it is acted out by some professors, 



86 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

who, when solicited to aid the cause of Christ, 
and the various benevolent enterprizes of the 
day, plead that " the calls are so many ." u The 
times are so hard, — w r e can't afford it." " The 
gospel costs more than it is worth. The minis- 
ters of religion should preach without remuner- 
ation." " The heathen may take care of them- 
selves." " We do not wish to take the work 
out of God's hands." " He can clothe the na- 
ked, send ravens to feed the hungry, and con- 
vert the world by a miracle." Such charac- 
ters are always complaining in this respect, in- 
stead of performing with cheerfulness and 
promptitude their own appropriate duty. 

Like their elder brother, who was a thief and 
kept the bag, they are constantly exclaiming, 
" To what purpose is this waste ?" Not that 
they care any more than he for the welfare of 
others ; but because covetousness is the law by 
which they are governed. Let such remem- 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 87 

ber that the word of Him, who cannot lie, ex- 
pressly declares, that covctousness is idolatry, 
and that no covetous man, any more than a 
drunkard or a murderer, " hath anv inheritance 
in the kingdom of God and of Christ !" 

It is an established law in God's kingdom, 
that "he who soweth bountifully, shall reap 
also bountifully, and that he who soweth spa- 
ringly, shall reap also sparingly." " And what- 
soever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." 

Let but the love of Christ touch the heart, 
and it will expand in pure, disinterested be- 
nevolence. Then the inquiry will be, not 
"How little can I give to aid the cause of 
Christ ; but, How much ?" They will not be 
afraid of doing too much, but of doing too little. 
And now, like the primitive Christians, "having 
first of all given themselves to the Lord," which 
is the greatest, they will also give their property, 
which is the least. The love of Christ is now 



88 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

the constraining principle. And there can be no 
piety without this. " If any man love not the 
Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema, Ma- 
ran-atha." " And if any man have not the 
Spirit of Christ he is none of his." 

He who says, " It is more blessed to give 
than to receive," " went about doing good" 
And the Christian believes the word, and 
cheerfully imitates the example of his Lord 
and Master. Who would not most cheerfully 
comply with this divine requisition, " To do 
good, and to communicate forget not, for with 
such sacrifices God is well pleased." Who 
does not wish to enjoy the rich and heavenly 
luxury of doing good ? 

What Christian, especially, I ask, does not 
wish to promote the true happiness of others ? 
Be instrumental of their salvation instead of 
their eternal ruin ? How overwhelmingly aw- 
ful will it be to meet those souls at the judg- 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 89 

meet, whom our example and influence have 
destroyed ! To meet the reproaches, and to 
have our ears saluted with their heart-rending 
cries, " You led me astray. You have de- 
stroyed my soul. Had it not been for the un- 
hallowed influence of your example, I should 
now have been in the mansions of the blessed. 
I should now unite in the song of the redeemed 
enjoying bliss in present, full fruition ! Now, 
alas ! I must sink to the mansions of the lost, 
and mingle my unavailing cries with the wait- 
ings of the pit. Lost ! lost ! ! for ever lost ! ! !" 
But oh, how' happy, unspeakably happy, to be 
hailed there as those who have " turned many 
to righteousness ;" then to shine, not merely with 
the brightness of the firmament, but with the 
pure, undying lustre of a star, in the Redeem- 
er's diadem. 

If we wish, however, to enjoy this distin- 
guished honor, we must be eminently pious, 
that we may be eminently useful. Remember 

8* 



90 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

that we shall be as influential as we are pious, 
and as useful as we are influential. " And who 
can be in this breathing world, so isolated," says 
a certain eloquent writer, "as to have no obser- 
vers, no imitators ; and so obscure as to have no 
influence ? ' No man liveth to himself.' Our 
every act, our every thought, wish, purpose, 
and word, influences ourselves, and through 
ourselves influences others. Every thing we do 
confirms us either in what is good or what is 
bad ; contributes to the formation of either a 
holy or unholy character. A particular idea 
or sentiment within us may die, but it has con- 
tributed to the formation of a habit, and habits 
outlive all sentiments ; yea, they multiply them- 
selves, by influencing the habits of other per- 
sons. Every prayer breathed by Payson, aided 
in forming his seraphic piety ; and it is now 
producing itself again in the power of his Me- 
moirs on our hearts. It is impossible to read 
them without resembling the man who was put 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 91 

into the prophet's tomb, and who on touching 
the prophet's feet, was made alive. What I 
am anxious to impress on your mind is, that 
you cannot be neutral in any thing, however 
remotely pertaining to the kingdom of God. 
Not a tone escapes our lips to die at our feet ; 
it rather creates a corresponding modulation 
upon the air we occupy, and continues thus to 
rise till it sounds to the third heavens. So far 
as our successors and imitators are concerned, 
we ought to regard ourselves as walking across 
the field immediately after it has been plough- 
ed. The path we mark, the footsteps we 
form, are to be the line by which, perhaps* 
myriads will regulate their movements." 

If the influence of the Christian, therefore, 
be of the right kind, who can estimate the im- 
mense benefit that he may confer, not only on 
the world around him, but also on generations 
yet unborn. He may contribute much towards 
forming the character, and deciding the destiny 



92 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

of millions of the human race. Yes, Chris- 
tian, it is for you to say, under God, how many 
shall shine with angels in the realms of bliss' 
or wail w r ith demons in the world of woe, as 
the result of your influence ! " Consider, there- 
fore, what I say ; and the Lord give thee un- 
derstanding in all things !" 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT, 93 



CHAPTER IV. 

Some reasons calcidated to urge us to maintain a Christian 
Deportment. 

" By their fruits ye shall know them." 

Among the reasons we may adduce, as cal- 
culated to urge us to the cultivation of a holy 
life, is 

1. The conduct and example of inconsistent 
professors of religion. It is a painful fact, that 
there have been, and still are, many whose 
constant deportment is incompatible with the 
whole tenor of the Bible, and with the spirit 
and principles of the gospel of Christ ; who 
are yet classed among its most zealous profes- 
sors ! Some such characters are recorded on 
the page of inspiration, and multitudes beside 
in the history of the church of Christ, of whom 
the apostle says in Phillip, iii, 18, 19: "For 
many walk, of whom I have told you often, 



94 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

and now tell you, even weeping, that they are 
the enemies of the cross of Christ. Whose 
end is destruction, whose God is their belly, 
and whose glory is in their shame, who mind 
earthly things." Such characters ought to 
serve as cautions to us, lest we should also 
prove to be " wolves in sheep's clothing ;" and 
in character resemble the man — 

" Who stole the livery of the court of heaven 
To serve the devil in; in virtue's guise, 
Devoured the widow's house and orphan's bread ; 
In holy phrase, transacted villanies 
That common sinners durst not meddle with. 
At sacred feast, he sat among the saints, 
And with his guilty hands touched holiest things : 
And none of sin lamented more, or sighed 
More deeply, or with graver countenance, 
Or longer prayer, wept o'er the dying man, 
Whose infant children, at the moment, he 
Planned how to rob. ***** 
Detected wretch ! Of all the reprobate, 
None seemed maturer for the flames of hell, 
Where still his face, from ancient custom, wears 
A holy air, which says to all that pass 
Him by, ' I was a hypocrite on earth.' " 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 95 

If we look around us, how many melancholy 
pictures of worldly conformity, criminal neg- 
ligence, and spiritual apathy do we witness, as 
exhibited by many of the professed friends of 
Jesus ! And while they should call forth into 
exercise the deepest heartfelt sorrow, they 
should also excite us to a more active and holy 
zeal. The inconsistencies by which others are 
distinguished, should lead us to be more jealous 
of ourselves, and their fall should teach us not 
to be " high-minded, but fear." The more we 
see the Christian life neglected, the spirit of the 
gospel forsaken, the truths of revelation lightly 
esteemed, Christ dishonored, and religion abu- 
sed, the deeper should be our solicitude to 
11 abound more and more in every good word 
and work." To exhibit more of the genuine 
spirit, and maintain more steadfastly the pure 
and elevating doctrines, of the cross. Does 
the mariner look with mingled terror and cau- 
tion on those rocks, where others have been 



96 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

dashed to pieces, and profiting by their de- 
struction, observe the greater caution to avoid 
the like catastrophe ? So should the declen- 
sions and apostacies of others, excite in us 
more holy caution to avoid the shoals and sun- 
ken rocks where they were dashed, and made 
shipwreck of their faith ! And thus the more 
eminently " adorn the doctrine of God our Sa- 
vior." One word here to the careless sinner. 
If many are deceived, and others are " scarcely 
saved," what will become of the careless sin- 
ner? Surely such have reason to fear and 
tremble ! " For if such things are done in the 
green tree, what shall be done in the dry V* 
" Be troubled, therefore, ye careless ones." 

Life and death, blessing and cursing, are set 
before you, and one or the other must soon be 
your portion. What shall be the result ? Now 
is the time to arbitrate a question so full of in- 
terest, and which involves your eternal des- 
tiny. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 97 

•' Seize the kind promise while it waits, 
And march to Z ion's heav'nly gates ; 
Believe, and take the promis'd rest ; 
Obey, and be for ever blest." 

2. Another reason urging us to a holy life, 
is the object at which the enemies of our souls 
are constantly aiming. Their object is to lead 
us into those practices, which are contrary to 
the standard of Christian holiness elevated in 
the gospel. To yield therefore to such con- 
duct as would prove detrimental to personal 
piety, is the most effectual way to promote their 
wishes, and thus to secure their object. Alas ! 
what an infernal triumph have the powers of 
darkness ! I had almost said what joy is there 
even in hell, were it possible for joy to enter 
there, when Jesus is " wounded in the house of 
his friends," and professors of religion wickedly 
depart from the faith and practice of the gos- 
pel ! " Aha, so we would have it," is the uni- 
ted cry of earth and hell. Though Satan so 
signally failed in his grand designs of pervert- 

9 



98 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

ing the Son of God, he but too often succeeds 
in his malicious purposes of leading professors 
of religion astray from God and holiness ! In 
view of this painful fact, the church of God is 
often constrained to weep over disappointed 
hopes, and darkened prospects, and in anguish 
of spirit to exclaim, 

" Some in whom we once delighted, 

We shall meet no more below; 
Some, alas! we fear are blighted — 

Scarce a single leaf they show." 

How often does the gold thus become dim, 
and the fine gold become changed ! How 
many who, had they been previously informed 
that all their professions and zeal would even- 
tually terminate in awful apostacy, would have 
replied, with Hazael, " What, is thy servant a 
dog, that he should do this thing V 9 " Alas, 
says one, how unlike is their brilliant and hope- 
ful morning, to their dark and gloomy evening ! 
These professors have more of the moon than 



CHRISTIAN DEFORTMENT. 99 

of the sun ; they have little light, little heat, 
and many changes." President Edwards also 
remarks, " It is with professors of religion, es- 
pecially such as become so in a time of the out- 
pouring of the Spirit of God, as it is with blos- 
soms in the Spring; there are vast numbers 
of them upon the trees, which all look fair and 
promising, but yet many of them never come 
to any thing ; and many of those that in a little 
time wither up, drop off, and rot under the 
trees, yet for a while look as beautful and gay 
as others ; and not only so, but smell sweet 
and send forth a pleasant odor ; so that we 
cannot by any of our senses certainly distin- 
guish those blossoms which have in them that 
secret virtue, which will afterward appear in 
the fruit ; and that inward solidity and strength 
which shall enable them to bear, and cause 
them to be perfected by the hot summer sun 
that will dry up the others. It is the mature 
fruit which comes afterward, and not the beau- 



100 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

tiful color and smell of the blossoms that we 
must judge by. So new converts (professedly 
so), in their talk about the things of religion, 
may appear fair, and be very savory, and the 
saints may think they talk feelingly. They 
may relish their talk, and imagine they per- 
ceive a divine savor in it, and yet all may 
come to nothing," 

Alas, it is but too true, that the life of many 
professors of religion is a libel on Christianity ! 
Such characters bear false witness for the 
Truth, and thus inflict a far greater injury on 
the cause of Christ, than it is possible for infi- 
dels or devils to inflict. 

But is Christianity less real ? Are its claims 
less important, and its blessings less valuable 
and desirable, because abused by the insincere 
and heartless ? No, verily. Does not the ex- 
istence of a counterfeit coin prove also the 
existence of a true original ? And is it not 
equally true that the very existence of counter- 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 101 

feit Christians, and of a spurious religion prove 
also the existence of a true original ? That 
there are real Christians, and that there also 
exists a religion, divine in its origin, and an 
eternal reality ? 

In either case, who can conceive of a coun- 
terfeit without an orginal, which has been coun- 
terfeited ? If any one can do this, I must con- 
fess that I am entirely ignorant of the laws of 
mind, and that they understand a mystery into 
which / have not as yet been initiated. Would 
we cast away a precious gem, or a costly pearl, 
because there were some that bore the name 
that were spurious ? And shall we cast from 
us the " pearl of great price," and deem our- 
selves f* unworthy of eternal life," because some 
are deceived, and others, like treacherous Ju- 
das, betray their Master, and " deny the Lord 
that bought them ?" Would not such conduct 
evince the most egregious folly, and insure our 



102 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

eternal ruin ? "I speak as unto wise men, 
judge ye what I say." 

" Wherefore be not unwise, but understand- 
ing what the will of the Lord is." " Let no 
man deceive you with vain words." " Prove 
all things ; hold fast that which is good." 

Doubtless the cause of such defection and 
hypocrisy referred to, may be traced, either to 
a cold heart, produced by the omission of duty, 
or to an entire destitution of renewing grace. 
Would we wish to gratify the enemies of the 
cross, and furnish hell with an infernal triumph, 
we have to go our way, and " live according 
to the course of this world." Go and " serve 
divers lusts and pleasures," after having re- 
ceived the name of Christ, and professedly en- 
listed under the banners of his cross. Do this, 
Christian, and heaven will weep ! Yes, do this, 
and hell will have a triumph ! But if you 
tremble at the thought of such ingratitude and 
perfidy to Him who hath loved you, and given 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 103 

himself for you, and consequently laid you un- 
der obligations so infinite, to love and honor 
him " who first loved us? — oh, see to it that 
your attachment is as sincere, as your fidelity 
to him and his cause shall be lasting." 

11 To whom, my Savior, shall I go, 

If I depart from thee ! 
My guide through all this vale of wo ; 

And more than all to me." 

3. Another reason urging us to the cultiva- 
tion of Christian deportment, is the deep and 
thrilling interest felt by all the truly pious, in 
this most important subject. 

It is the sincere desire, and earnest prayer of 
those who feel affectionately concerned for the 
growing prosperity of the Redeemer's king- 
dom, that all its professed subjects should fur- 
nish evidence of the sincerity of their attach- 
ment, by their consistent and elevated piety. 
None, surely, felt or evinced a stronger attach- 
ment to the cause of the Redeemer, and more 



104 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

especially the tender solicitude of a father, to- 
ward his spiritual children, than the Apostle 
Paul. With what holy fervor does he pray 
that they may " stand fast in the Lord." How 
affectionately does he entreat those who were 
the fruits of his ministry, and who he hoped 
would prove the " crown of his rejoicing," to 
be " steadfast and immovable, always abound- 
ing in the work of the Lord." Yes, hear him 
saying to such, from the fullness of his affec- 
tionate heart, " So standfast in the Lord, my 
dearly beloved" " For God is my record, how 
greatly I long after you all in the bowels of 
Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love 
may abound yet more and more, in knowledge 
and in all judgment; that ye may approve 
things that are excellent ; that ye may be sin- 
cere, and without offence, till the day of Christ ; 
being filled with the fruits of righteousness, 
which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and 
praise of God." Phillippians, i. 8 — 11. With 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 105 

what bitter tears does he weep over those 
who by their apostacy had disappointed his 
hope and his joy. Nor does that Christian, or 
minister of the gospel, especially, deserve to 
be acknowledged such, who can with cold in- 
difference look around, and behold one per- 
verted by error, another enslaved by the world, 
and another walking disorderly, over whom he 
once rejoiced ! No, it cannot be ; his love for 
souls, and his regard for the interests of reli- 
gion forbid it. While he is constrained to 
weep and pray, to exhort and entreat, with the 
beloved apostle — " Only let your conversation 
be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." 

Would you, my beloved reader, furnish all 
the friends of Jesus with cause for sincere 
joy ; would you cheer the hearts of those " who 
watch for souls, as those who must give an ac- 
count;" would you inspire them with vigor 
and lively hope, in the performance of their 
arduous and responsible labors in the work of 



106 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

the ministry, you must stand fast in the Lord, 
and make increasing attainments in personal 
piety. 

4. Another powerful reason for the cultiva- 
tion of eminent piety, is furnished by the won- 
derful exhibitions of Calvary. What subject 
can furnish us w T ith more powerful motives than 
this, to excite us to the cultivation of the most 
eminent piety ? Are there, I ask, no motives 
of sufficient potency to urge us to this, to be 
drawn from the bleeding heai*t, and dying 
groans of Jesus, the Lamb of Calvary ? Are 
there no obligations for a holy life, arising from 
his rich grace and boundless love ? Does this 
amazing exhibition of dying love " constrain 
us ?" Or, are we deaf to this heavenly, melt- 
ing call ? Yes, from the cross on which the 
Savior languished and died, the command 
proceeds — " Only let your conversation be as 
it becometh the gospel of Christ." Be this, 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 107 

then, Christian, the proof of your affection, the 
test of your gratitude, and the evidence of your 
love to Him who died for you. 

It is related of a poor man, whom the 
efforts of the excellent Doddridge had re- 
leased from prison, and the gallows, that on 
the day that had been appointed for his execu- 
tion, he came to the good man's door, where 
falling on his knees, and the tears streaming 
from his eyes, he exclaimed : " Dear Sir, I am 
come before I die to thank you. Yes, every 
drop of blood in my veins thanks you, for you 
have had compassion on every drop of it. As 
long as I live I will serve you ; and I will 
come every year from one end of the kingdom 
to the other to thank you." What a noble ex- 
pression of gratitude ! What a deep sense of 
obligation is here exhibited ! But what were 
this poor man's obligations compared with 
those of the Christian ? Why, infinitely more 
insignificant than the wing of the meanest in- 



108 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

sect, compared with the highest archangel ! 
As a single drop cf water compared with the 
ocean ! or a grain of sand, compared with 
the largest planet that revolves in the regions 
of infinite space ! Is it not, therefore, most 
solemnly incumbent on Christians to maintain 
a deportment consistent with their high obliga- 
tions? They ought constantly to approve 
themselves " the followers of God, as dear 
children ;" and never forget that Jesus hath 
redeemed them by his blood, to be "a peculiar 
people, zealous of good works." 

Their standard of piety ought therefore to 
be an elevated one. Then the church should 
lead the world, and not the world the church ! 
Doubtless, the reason why so much spiritual 
apathy and declension prevail, revivals of 
religion are so few, and far between, and so 
few accessions of new r -born souls to Ziori, is 
because members of Christian churches are 
too much disposed, either to rest satisfied with 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 109 

a mere profession of religion, or with too low 
a standard of Christian attainments. Such a 
statement may be made, I think, without fear 
of being charged with a libel on the church ! 
Alas, too many are but dwarfs in piety, who 
might have been giants, had they been active, 
and aspired after " the full stature of a man in 
Christ Jesus !" There must be a more eminent 
degree of piety in the church, and the standard 
of Christian attainments must be greatly ele- 
vated, or the glorious light of the Millenium 
can never dawn upon this dark and ruined 
world. True, it is the subject of divine pro- 
mise, and therefore we believe that it will event- 
ually come, and in order to this, that the stand- 
ard of piety demanded, will be eventually ele- 
vated. But why not elevated now ? What 
should now hinder it? I ask every Christian 
who prays, "Thy kingdom come," why this 
standard of deep-toned, living, energetic piety, 
cannot now at once be raised to the elevation 

10 



110 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

demanded — and thus the way at once pre- 
pared to usher in so glorious an event? I 
leave this question for God's sacramental host 
to solve, and for the reader to apply. Let 
them do it now. By all the motives drawn 
from Calvary — yea, from heaven, earth, and 
hell — let the church of God arise and shine with 
the celestial radiance of a full orbed piety ! 

" How fair the daughter of Jerusalem then ! 
How gloriously from Zion-Hill she'll look ! 
Clothed with the sun, and in her train the moon, 
And on her head a coronet of stars, 
And girdling round her waist, with heavenly grace, 
The bow of mercy bright ; and in her hand, 
lmmanuel's cross, her sceptre, and her hope." 

5. The next and last reason that we shall 
state, for the cultivation of a truly Christian 
deportment, is that such a deportment can fur- 
nish the only proper and possible evidence of 
vital piety. Great wisdom is displayed in 
those delineations of character which are con- 
tained in the sacred scriptures. That wisdom 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. Ill 

appears in their plainness and simplicity. The 
difference between the real Christian and the 
nominal Christian, the profane and the pious, 
is made most clearly evident. The traits of 
Christian character are not so portrayed as to 
be tedious, difficult of application, or encumber- 
ed with what does not belong to them. They 
may rather be said to be few, plain, and to the 
point, so that if any be disposed to be faithful 
to himself, he may at once ascertain whether 
or not he has any claim to such a character. 

That wisdom also appears in the connec- 
tions in which those delineations are given. 
For they are generally such as to invite our 
consideration, and to excite the inquiry, What 
character do I bear ? Am I a Christian, or 
am I not ? This inquiry is highly important, 
and if properly improved will furnish a satis- 
factory answer. We need not be deceived, or 
even kept in suspense in relation to our true 
character, or the reality of our piety. If so, 



112 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

is it not our wisdom to adjust, as soon as pos- 
sible, a question of so great moment? The 
Savior has graciously furnished us with cri- 
teria by which to decide this question safely, 
and for ever. " By their fruits ye shall know 
them /" " If ye love me keep my command- 
ments." " Ye are my friends — if ye do what- 
soever I command you !" , The piety of the 
heart will be visible in the life. Sometime 
since a soldier was concerned for the sal- 
vation of his soul ; and becoming hopefully 
pious, met with much opposition and ridicule, 
both from his comrades and officers : he was 
the servant of one of the latter. At length his 
master asked, with a sneer, " Richard, what 
good has your religion done you?" Mark the 
conduct of this Christian ! Instead of being 
daunted or making any apology for his religion, 
which needed no apology, he made this direct 
and most significant reply : " Sir, before I was 
religious I used to get drunk ; now I am sober. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 113 

I used to neglect your business, now I perform 
it diligently." The officer was silenced, and 
appeared satisfied. Here we see an evidence 
of vita! piety, and that a change of heart will 
be attended with a corresponding change of 
life. A man's life is the best evidence of his 
character, and of the governing principles of his 
heart. This can furnish his best credentials ! 
This also declares what his hopes are, and what 
his destiny shall be ! Reader, you must live the 
life of the Christian, if you would possess his 
character, or share his destiny ! " Tell me 
how a man lives," says one, " and I will tell 
you how he dies." Let this, then, ever be the 
Christian's sacred motto : " For me to live, is 
Christ, to die, is gain." 



10* 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 115 



CHAPTER V. 

The practical effect which the contemplation of Christian De- 
portment, as exhibited in this volume, so far as consistent 
with t/w icord of God, ought to have informing the life 
and diameter of the Christian. 

•' Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser : teach a 
just man, and he will increase in learning." 

In view of what has been stated in the pre- 
ceding chapters, on the subject of Christian 
deportment, and by every thing tender and sa- 
cred, we affectionately entreat you, dear Chris- 
tian reader, constantly and eminently to main- 
tain such a deportment ; and in order to effect 
this most important object: 1. Be holy. Let 
it be your constant concern to have an emi- 
nently holy heart. Thus shall you be " a ves- 
sel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the 
Master's use, and prepared unto every good 
work." Ever pray, with David, the man after 
God's own heart, "Create within me a clean 



116 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within 
me." " Without holiness, no man shall see the 
Lord." But " blessed are the pure in heart, for 
they shall see God." Therefore cultivate an 
eminent spirit of holiness. Live alone to the 
praise of Him, " who hath called you out of 
darkness, into his marvellous light." " Chris- 
tianity," says one, " is a religion all heart and 
soul ; and those who embrace it have an oppor- 
tunity for exemplifying its power. The sloth- 
ful servant is a wicked servant. The fruitless 
tree is a cumberer of the ground. Jesus ex- 
pects more than the leaves of a fair profession ; 
he expects the fruits of holiness." The Chris- 
tian must be as willing to be governed by the 
laws of Christ, as he is to be saved by the grace 
of Christ. He must never break the sceptre 
of Christ against his cross ! The religion of 
Christ is a holy religion ; and its grand design 
is to make men holy, as well as happy r Holi- 
ness and happiness are inseparably ccnnected. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 117 

2. Be submissive. " Submit yourselves unto 
God. Resign all into his hands. With the 
docility of a little child, be ever ready in sin- 
cerity of heart to exclaim, " Father, not my 
will, but thine be done !" When intelligence 
was brought to a pious lady that two of her 
children, whom she tenderly loved, were drown- 
ed, she replied, " I see the Lord will have all 
my heart, and he shall have it." How honor- 
able was such a spirit to the Christian religion ! 
Had this Christian mother been disposed to 
murmur, and to charge God foolishly, what 
would the world have thought and said of re- 
ligion ? Why, that it may be well enough for 
the day of prosperity, but that it will not sur- 
vive the day of adversity and trial. Let the 
Christian evince to the world that they have 
entirely mistaken its nature, if they think that 
religion is fit only to be a topic of declamation 
in scenes of prosperity ; and will live in the 
sunshine, but die in the shower. The fortitude 



118 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

of a certain distinguished heathen has been 
much applauded, who, when deprived of a 
child by death, could say, "I knew, when 
the gods gave me a child, that he was mortal." 
And shall the Christian, with far superior light 
to the heathen, and with the volume of Inspi- 
ration in his hand, fall below them in submis- 
sion ; and thus suffer the men of this world 
to contrast, to the prejudice of our holy reli- 
gion, the maxims and conduct of ancient Pa- 
gan sages ? No, verily. For the honor of 
Christianity, God forbid ! 

Christian, by your uniform spirit and deport- 
ment, assure the world that religion can furnish 
the brightest triumphs of fortitude, and the best 
examples of submission. And that Christian- 
ity is infinitely more superior to every system 
of the most refined Paganism or infidelity, 
than the full blaze of the noontide sun, is to 
the faint and sickly light of the smallest taper. 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 119 

3. Be constantly impressed with a sense of 
the Divine presence and scrutiny. Let the 
solemn truth be deeply impressed upon your 
heart, " Thou, God, seest me." 

A pervading sense of God's ubiquity, is one 
of the most effectual preventives from sin and 
temptation. The individual who feels that 
God's eye is upon him, will " stand in awe, and 
sin not." May this sentiment, therefore, per- 
vade your mind every moment, God is here. 
Yes, let every surrounding object respond, 
with constant, gentle whisper, " God is here." 
While this truth is so eminently calculated to 
deter from sin, and to allay every unhallowed 
passion, it is equally calculated to console and 
comfort the Christian in the darkest scenes of 
affliction and sorrow. " Yea, though I walk 
through the valley of the shadow death, I will 
fear no evil, for thou art with me ; thy rod and 
thy staff, they comfort me." " If thy presence 
go not with me, carry us not up hence." 



120 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

4. Be grateful and humble. Of all others 
the Christian has peculiar reason for grateful 
praise to the Source of all. He possesses no- 
thing that he has not received ; and conse- 
quently nothing of which to boast. If he is 
made to differ from the thousands who are per- 
ishing around him, 'tis grace that hath made 
him so. To this he owes all his honor and 
happiness. When John Bradford, the martyr, 
once saw a poor man led for execution, he 
exclaimed, "Ah, but for the grace of God, 
there goes John Bradford !" And the venerable 
and pious John Newton once remarked," I am 
not what I ought to be ; I am not what I might 
be ; I am not what I shall be ; but by the grace 
of God, I am what I am." 

Then, Christian, be grateful, and humble. 
"Be clothed with humility." Wear it as a 
garment, and as a rich ornament, for in the 
" sight of God it is of great price." Exhibit it 
in your daily deportment. It is one of the best 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 121 

evidences of growth in grace, and will pre- 
serve you from all the " fiery darts of the 
wicked one." " Pride goeth before destruction, 
and a haughty spirit before a fall." Says 
Bunyan, 

" He that is down, needs fear no fall, 

He that is low, no pride ; 
He that is humble, ever shall 

Have God to be his guide." 

The contemplation of the past, the present, 
and the future, is eminently calculated to in- 
spire an humble and grateful spirit. Let the 
Christian remember what he was — a child of 
wrath ! " And were by nature children of 
wrath, even as others." "And such were 
some of you ; but ye are washed ; but ye are 
sanctified ; but ye are justified." What he now 
is — a pardoned rebel! A sinner saved by 
grace ! " By the grace of God, I am what I 
am." What he ought to be, and what he shall 

eventually be : perfectly conformed to the will 
11 



122 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT, 

and image of the blessed God ! Holy as he 
is holy I 

" Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and 
it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but 
we know that when he shall appear, we shall 
be like him ; for we shall see him as he is." 
1 John, hi. 2. While the Bible presents many 
rich and precious promises to the humble, it 
does not contain a single promise for the proud. 
" For thus saith the high and lofty One, that 
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I 
dwell in the high and holy place, with him also 
that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to re- 
vive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the 
heart of the contrite ones." Isa. Ivii. 15. "But 
to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, 
and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my 
word." ha. Ixvi. 2. " The Lord hath respect 
unto the lowly, but the proud he knoweth afar 
off." 

5. Be faithful, and live as for eternity. It is 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 123 

the only true wisdom, for the Christian to live 
above the world, and thus to have eternal re- 
alities constantly in view. He should " pray 
as for eternity ; hear, as for eternity ; live, as 
for eternity ; obey, and do every thing, as for s 
eternity," Then the Christian will be cheer- 
ful without levity, and serious without melan- 
choly. 

When Sir Francis Walsingham, a secretary 
of state, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, arri- 
ved at old age, he retired to the country to 
close his days in retirement Some of his for- 
mer gay companions came one day to pay him 
a visit, and rallied him as being melancholy ; 
his answer deserves serious consideration: 
" No, I am not melancholy, but I am serious ; 
and it is very proper that we should be so. 
Ah ! my friends, while we laugh, every thing 
is serious about us. God is serious, who exer- 
cises patience towards us. Christ is serious, 
who shed his atoning blood for us. The Holy 



124 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

Ghost is serious, in striving against the obsti- 
nacy of our hearts. The holy scriptures are 
serious books ; they present to our thoughts the 
most serious concerns in all the world. The 
holy sacraments represent very serious and 
awful matters. The whole creation is serious. 
All in heaven are serious. All who are in hell 
are serious. How then, can we be gay and 
trifling ?" On another occasion, when writing 
to his friend, Lord Burleigh, he remarked, 
" We have lived long enough to our country, 
to our fortunes, and to our sovereign ; it is high 
time that we begin to live for ourselves and to 
God." Christian, imitate such a worthy exam- 
ple, be serious and spiritual, keep heaven in 
your heart, and the world under your feet, and 
thus let each have their appropriate place. 

The beloved Henry Martyn remarks, " How 
many of my days are lost, if their worth is to 
be measured by the standard of prevailing 
heavenly mindedness." Therefore, confess 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 125 

yourself a stranger and pilgrim on the earth, 
and " press towards the mark, for the prize of 
the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus." Be 
concerned lest you should prove " a cast away" 
and have your oil to buy when it should be burn- 
ing ! " Hold fast that which thou hast, that no 
man take thy crown." Religion is heart work. 
Be therefore a Christian at heart, faithful to 
your Master, and then you will be true to your- 
self. Make a business of religion, and hold 
fast your integrity, whatever may be the cost. 
" Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give 
thee a crown of life. 9 ' 

" And now if ye will deal kindly and truly 
with my Master, tell me : and if not, tell me." 

"The wise man, says the Bible, walks with God, 
Surveys far on the endless line of life ; 
Values his soul ; thinks of eternity ; 
Both worlds considers, and provides for both ; 
With reason's eye his passions guards ; abstains 
From evil ; lives on hope; on hope, the fruit 
11* 



126 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

Of faith ; looks upward ; purifies his soul ; 
Expands his wings, and mounts into the sky; 
Passes the sun, and gains his father's house ; 
And drinks with angels from the fount of bliss. '' 



CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 127 



SIR MATTHEW HALE S RESOLUTIONS. 

Morning. 1. To lift up the heart to God, in 
thankfulness, for renewing my life. 2. To re- 
new my covenant with God in Christ, by re- 
newed acts of faith, receiving Christ, and re- 
joicing in the height of that relation, and by 
resolution of being one of his people, doing 
him allegiance. 3. Meditation and prayer. 
4. Setting a watch over my own infirmities 
and passions, and over all the snares laid in my 
way. 

Day Employment. There must be an em- 
ployment of two kinds. 1. Our ordinary cal- 
ling ; to serve God in it. It is a service to 
Christ, though ever so mean, {Col. iii.) Here, 
faithfulness, diligence, cheerfulness. Not over- 
lay myself with more business than I can bear, 
2. Our spiritual employments; mingle some- 
what of God's immediate service in this day. 

Refreshments. 1. Meat and drink; mode- 
ration, seasoned with somewhat of God. 2. 
Recreations; 1. Not our business. 2. Suit- 



128 CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 

able. No games, if given to covetousness or 
passion. 

If alone. 1. Beware of wandering, vain, 
and lustful thoughts : fly from thyself rather 
than entertain these. 2. Let thy solitary 
thoughts be profitable ; view the evidences of 
thy salvation ; the state of thy soul ; the com- 
ing of Christ ; thy ow r n immortality : it will 
make thee humble and watchful. 

Company. Do good to them. Use God's 
name reverently. Bew T are of leaving an ill 
impression by ill example. Receive good from 
them, if more knowing. 

Evening. Cast up the account of the day. 
If aught be amiss, beg pardon. Gather reso- 
lution of more vigilance. If well, bless the 
mercy and grace of God, that hath supported 
thee. 



ORIGINAL HYMNS. 



ORIGINAL HYMNS, 



AM I A CHRISTIAN? 

Am I a Christian ? Is my heart 

Renewed and formed by grace divine ? 

Can I with all things freely part, 
Jesus, for love so great as thine! 

Am I a Christian ? Is my life 

What a true Christian's ought to be — - 

Free from all envy, guile and strife; 
A true resemblance, Lord, of thee ] 

Am I a Christian 1 Is my hope 

The soul's sweet anchor, firm and sure 1 
Would I not wear my Savior's yoke, 

And faithful to the end endure 1 

Am I a Christian 1 Do I love 

To bear the cross, and welcome shame 1 
Are my affections raised above, 

Asa true follower of the Lamb % 



132 ORIGINAL HYMNS. 

Am I a Christian 1 Lord decide : 
Take full possession of my breast ; 

Be thou my pattern and my guide, 
And lead me to thy promised rest. 



BLOOD OF SPRINKLING. 

Blood of sprinkling, spilt for me, 
Flowing from the Savior's side, 

To this fountain let me flee ; 

From the storm of vengeance hide. 

Blood of sprinkling, spilt for me, 
Wash and cleanse my guilty soul ; 

Now from bondage set me free, 
Make my wounded spirit whole. 

Blood of sprinkling spilt for me, 
Peace and comfort still impart ; 

Full redemption let me see, 
Write salvation on my heart. 

Blood of sprinkling, spilt for all 
Who have sinned of Adam's race, 

Heal the ruins of the fall, 

Save a world by sov'reign grace . 



ORIGINAL HYMNS. 133 



GOOD TIDINGS. 



Come list to the tidings the seraphs now bring, 
Announcing the advent of Jesus our King ; 
The angelic choir are hymning abroad, — 
Peace — good will to all men, and glory to God. 

The shepherds, attending their flocks through the night, 
Are filled with emotions of fear and delight ; 
Wise men from the east, who to Palestine came. 
Are to Bethlehem led by the star's steady flame. 

Here to Messiah their devotions are paid, 
Although in a manger an infant he's laid ; 
Their grateful oblations they pour at his feet, 
In gifts of rich gold, and of frankincense sweet. 

Now homeward returning they publish afar, 
With joy the glad tidings of Bethlehem's Star — 
And shall not ourofTrings and gratitude prove 
Our joy for the tidings of Him whom we love. 

Shall we these good tidings endeavor to spread, 
Till Bethlehem's Star all the nations shall lead, 
To bring their oblations, with incense divine, 
To bow to his sceptre, and kneel at his shrine ? 

Oh yes! these good tidings we now will proclaim, 
Till Bethlehem's bright Star triumphant shall reign, 
To illume the lost nations, envelop'd in night, 
That Gentile and Jew may rejoice in its light ! 
12 



134 ORIGINAL HYMNS. 

PRECIOUS SAVIOR! 

Precious Savior ! let thy blood 
Take away this guilty load ; 
Fill my heart with love divine, 
Make me Lord forever thine. 

Precious Savior ! let me be 
Dead to sin, alive to thee ; 
Feed my soul with heavenly food, 
Let me live alone for God. 

Precious Savior ! let me know 
All that thou w T ouldst have me do ; 
Teach me what to think or say — 
Lead me in thy narrow way. 

Precious Savior ! every hour 
Oh ! sustain me by thy power ! 
Every evil let me flee, 
Only love what pleases thee. 

Precious Savior ! let me prove 
Sweetest tokens of thy love ; 
Put thy signet on my breast, 
Let thy Spirit on me rest. 

"WILT THOU NOT REVIVE US AGAIN?" 

O Lord revive thy work again ; 

Send thy good Spirit from above : 
Thy righteousness upon us rain, 

And fill each heart with heavenly love. 



ORIGINAL HYMNS. 135 

View Zion's desolations round ; 

Her foes are strong, her friends are few : 
See unbelief and sin abound, 

While some have left their Savior too. 

Now, Lord, reclaim thy wandering sheep — 

Salvation's joys again restore, 
That in thy pastures they may keep, 

And never leave their Shepherd more. 

Let dying sinners now behold 

The wonders of redeeming grace, 

And, hasting to the Savior's fold, 

There hear his voice and seek his face. 

Lord, let thy will on earth be done ! 

The banners of thy cross unfurl'd : 
Now let thy glorious kingdom come 

And spread its triumphs through the world ! 

BREVITY OF LIFE. 

Our years, our months, our days are few; 

Our life is passing swift away : 
Not only few, but evil too — 

Once did an aged Patriarch say. 

Short is our passage to the tomb — 
The cradle and the grave are near : 

Our life may close ere yet 'tis noon, 
And we before the Judge appear . 



136 ORIGINAL HYMNS. 

Is life a vapor, or a dream 1 
No sooner here than it is gone ! 

Then let religion be supreme, 
And we prepare for joys to come. 

May all our years, our months, our days— 
Though few and fleeting they may be- 

Be spent, dear Savior, to thy praise, 
That we at last may dwell with thee. 

RELIGION. 

Religion ! principle divine, 

In this vain world to mortals given, 

Looks far beyond the bounds of time, 
And points the soul of man to heaven. 

Religion, undefiled and pure. 

Is not in word, but living power ; 

Inspires a hope, both firm and sure, 
Surviving Death's tremendous hour. 

Religion ne'er was born of earth, 
To prove a fiction, or a dream ; 

'Tis a rich gem of priceless worth, 
Above all other things supreme. 

May this blest pearl of price bs mine, 
My treasure, and my only choice ; 

May I in all its virtues shine, 

Display its power, and taste its joys. 



ORIGINAL HYMNS. 137 

DECISION . 

Who's on Jehovah's side 1 

Who will his voice obey 1 
And choose him for their friend and guide 

To realms of endless day 1 

Decide this question now, 

Nor longer dare delay ; 
To Jesus' righteous sceptre bow, 

And serve him while you may. 

If you should longer wait, 

You soon in vain may cry ; 
Let God once close the mercy gate, 

You must forever die. 

Now give the Lord your heart, 

And choose the Savior's side ; 
Then you, and bliss, no more shall part, 

Whatever may betide. 

EXPOSTULATION. 

Come, sinner, come, there yet is room ; 

Now seek the Savior's face : 
No more delay, but come away, 

And flee to his embrace. 
12* 



138 ORIGINAL HYMNS. 

You long have been the slave of sin, 

Resisting light arid love ; 
Come now believe, his grace receive, 

Salvation through his blood. 

You then shall be redeemed and free, 
And sing recov'ring grace ; 

The Savior love, then dwell above, 
And see him face to face. 

But should you still resist his will, 

And trample on his blood, 
You soon shall feel, though hard as steel, 

The vengeance of a God. 

To-day he stands* with open hands, 
And shows his bleeding heart : 

Now hear him say, Without delay 
" Accept the better part." 

PRAYER, 

Prayer eloquent, is formed 
Of heart and wish sincere; 

By human language unadorned, 
'Twill reach Jehovah's ear. 

Prayer ardent, enters heaven, 

And rises near the throne ; 
As a sweet pledge and earnest given, 

It brings salvation down. 



ORIGINAL HYMNS. 139 

Prayer prevalent, is known 

By strong and vigorous faith, 
Which calls the promises its own, 

And trusts what Jesus saith. 

Prayer is religion's breath — 

Religion lives by this; 
Thus triumphs over sin and death, 

And leads to endless bliss. 

Then let the Christian pray, 

While in this dark abode : 
Cease not by night, nor cease by day, 

'Tis thus he walks with God. 

THE SABBATH. 

I love the Sabbath's hallowed light, 

The day that God hath blest and given; 

'Tis a rich boon and a " delight," 
Sweet emblem of our rest in heaven. 

I love to mingle with the throng 

That listen to the Savior's love, 
Where solemn prayer and holy song 

Like fragrant incense rise above. 

I love the Sabbath's peaceful hours 

In holy solitude to spend, 
While heaven's influence in rich showers, 

An answer to our prayers, descend. 



140 ORIGINAL HYMNS. 

I love its evening's grateful shade, 

When prayer and praise so sweetly blend; 

Prelude of joys that never fade, 

Of Sabbath day that ne'er shall end. 

THE COMMUNION. 

Sweet is the scene, where Christians meet, 
Where pure devotion's hallowed flame 

Inspires their souls at Jesus' feet, 
Whene'er they celebrate his name. 

Sweet is the time, when saints receive 
The emblems of the Savior's love ; 

When, faint and weary, they may feed 
On manna falling from above. 

Sweet is the place, where we may view 
The Savior's wounds, and flowing blood : 

There Christians weep, and love him too, 
Who died to make their peace with God. 

Shall I behold such scenes as these 
And feel no soft emotion move 1 

No, to the cross my spirit flees 
A captive of redeeming love. 



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